Montreal Canadiens

Why Canadiens Owen Beck Is Being Moved In OHL Blockbuster

Published

1 year ago

January 7, 2023

Montreal Canadiens prospect Owen Beck Habs

After Riley Kidney was traded in the QMJHL, it looks like another Montreal Canadiens prospect could be on the move in the OHL.

Owen Beck, the 33rd overall pick in the 2022 NHL Draft, appears to be part of the firesale going on with the Mississauga Steelheads, and could be on his way to the Peterborough Petes.

With Mississauga looking to capitalize on the trade value of top 19-year-olds like Luca De Bel Belluz (Columbus) and Ethan Del Mastro (Chicago) before losing for nothing after this season, it seemed like Beck had an outside chance of being moved as well.

However, as was first reported by Sportsnet’s Jeff Marek, it appears that the Steelheads want to blow it up for real this winter; a sign that they believe there’s a good chance Owen Beck isn’t in the OHL next season either.

That’s a major statement by the Steelheads and it’s indicative of Beck’s significant rise up the ranks, as Mississauga could have easily held onto Beck until next season and traded him a year from now for an even bigger haul. However, they didn’t want to take the chance that he cracks the Canadiens roster next fall, a reality that many have anticipated, and lose all leverage in getting a significant return on one of their tp assets.

OHL – The return to Mississauga in the Owen Beck to Peterborough deal sounds like Jack Van Volsen, Justin DeZoete and picks.

— Jeff Marek (@JeffMarek) January 7, 2023

Rapid Development

From development camp, rookie camp, the Prospect Challenge and during preseason games with the Canadiens, Beck proved he wasn’t the typical 2nd-round pick Montreal Canadiens fans had come to expect.

Beck not only gained the favour of the fans, but also that of head coach Martin St. Louis, who has spoken at length about Beck’s maturity on the ice and his ability to read plays at incredible speed.

The Montreal Canadiens rewarded Beck’s outstanding effort during the preseason by signing him to a three-year ELC effective immediately; a sign that the Canadiens management team has seen enough to include Beck in the long-term plans of the organization.

Beck not only fits the profile of an extremely intelligent player that has shown who has shown signs of progress and growth at every lso applies a cerebral approach off the ice that will serve him well in a hockey-mad market like Montreal.

Upon getting sent back to the Mississauga Steelheads, Beck caught fire and took the league by storm. As of now, the 18-year-old has 17 goals and 23 assists for 40 points in just 29 games, all while remaining one of the best defensive players in the OHL.

With World Junior gold added to his resume and newfound confidence playing with the best players of his age group, Beck could be of great use to the Petes as they look to capitalize on their mature group of forwards.

The Petes are a stacked club right now, especially after going to get fellow gold-medalist Brendan Othmann (Rangers) earlier this season. Beck will have a prime shutdown role, but will be asked to play some big offensive minutes as well; exactly what you want for an 18-year-old that’s looking to make the best of his time in junior.