Canadiens Prospects To Make Team Canada Go Bleu Blanc Rouge

A trio of Montreal Canadiens prospects could be making Team Canada go “Bleu Blanc Rouge” at this year’s World Juniors, a first in 23 years.

Current projections have three Montreal Canadiens prospects in Joshua Roy, Riley Kidney and Owen Beck trending to crack Team Canada’s roster, with experts like The Athletic‘s Scott Wheeler even slotting them on the same line.

It’s a testament to the solid development of the trio.

They we drafted by the organizations and have all upped their game at the right moment, and Hockey Canada has taken notice and has followed them closely, making for a very intriguing set-up for this year’s World Juniors.

A First In 23 Years

The Canadiens haven’t had three of their homegrown prospects suit up for Team Canada at the World Juniors since the 2000 World Juniors in Skelleftea, Sweden.

Back then, Mike Ribeiro, Eric Chouinard and Micheal Ryder all represented Team Canada en route to a Bronze medal.

Since then, the Canadiens have seen a few instances where they had a couple of drafted prospects per year with Team Canada, such as in 2012 and most recently this summer for the rescheduled 2022 edition.

It will be interesting to see if they do all crack the lineup on December 26, but the signs have been very positive as of late and the trio is showing no signs of slowing down either.

Roy’s Leadership

Joshua Roy was always a lock to return, as he cemented himself as a clutch player for Canada during the medal rounds this summer and will likely have even more responsibility later this month.

Roy may not be leading the QMJHL in scoring this year, but he continues to be the MVP for the Sherbrooke Phoenix, as they continue their dominance atop of standing yet again this season.

He’s picked up his offensive output as of late, notching 17 goals and 23 assists for 40 points in just 24 games. He’s finding new ways to create offensive, but is also showing more maturity in his all-around game; an added aspect of his game that will be ever useful to a team looking to defend their championship.

Getting His Shot

Riley Kidney has done nothing but improve on his success post-draft season. On a depleted Acadie-Bathurst roster, Kidney has taken on a major leadership role and continues to put up impressive numbers in the process.

The 19-year-old has potted 13 goals and collected 27 assists for 40 points in just 26 games so far this season.

In a recent interview with Montreal Hockey Now, Kidney admitted that being an extra forward at this summer’s edition of Team Canada was tough, but that he was preparing for his moment this year, as the World Juniors are being held in his hometown of Halifax, Nova Scotia.

Seizing The Opportunity

And then there’s Owen Beck.

The 18-year-old centre has had a whirlwind 2022, to say the least.

He’s gone from one of the best defensive forwards in the OHL to one of the most dynamic dual threats in the league in a very short time.

In 20 games for the Mississauga Steelheads, Beck has accumulated 15 goals and 14 assists for 29 points in 20 games, all while continuing to be a dependable player for his club.

He has been on Canada’s radar for this tournament, as he was invited to Team Canada’s summer camp in late July, so it’s no surprise that he’s in the conversation.

What’s impressive is that his play since the Montreal Canadiens training camp has vaulted him from potential invite to surprise participant in a very short time.

Players like Owen Beck are a coach’s dream in short, elimination-style tournaments; and it wouldn’t be shocking to anyone at this point if he edges out a more skilled player for a spot on the roster.