AHL Playoffs Eligibility – Canadiens Deadline To ‘Paper’ Prospects

Montreal Canadiens prospect Owen Beck has enjoyed a fairly successful entry into the NHL. Not only is he the type of player that provides an honest effort every shift, he’s also managed to produce encouraging underlying numbers, and given his usage, it’s an impressive debut.

Beck’s most common linemate is Patrik Laine, a player who struggles when it comes to 5v5 play. The defenceman who is used the most whenever Beck is on the ice happens to be David Savard, another player with a long history of brutal statistics at even-strength.

However, despite his difficult situation, Beck has managed to tread water when it comes to shot control (49.8 percent), and his share of expected goals is incredibly encouraging (52.4 percent), trailing only Brendan Gallagher (53.3) for the team lead. His underlying numbers suggest that much more production at 5v5 is in the cards if Beck is used with teammates that don’t get outshot on a regular basis.

Owen Beck’s first NHL point!

He drives the net, takes the hit, outworks his opponent.

Classic Beck.

Newhook with the goal, Laine with the other assist. #GoHabsGo pic.twitter.com/okw8iOp4hb

— Marc Dumont (@MarcPDumont) February 28, 2025

With that in mind, it’s become apparent that Beck is essentially ready for life in the NHL, which further complicates the Canadiens’ situation between now and the NHL Trade Deadline on March 7.

The team’s AHL affiliate, the Laval Rocket, is currently second in the AHL, with a legitimate chance to enjoy a long run in the Calder Cup playoffs. To do so, they’ll need as much talent as possible in the lineup, and that clearly includes Beck, who was tied for the team lead in scoring when he was originally recalled by the Habs.

If the Montreal Canadiens want Beck to be eligible to feature in the AHL playoffs, they will have to ‘paper’ him to ensure he qualifies, because players still on an NHL roster by the 3 pm NHL Trade Deadline on Friday cannot take part in the AHL playoffs.

REMINDER: Any player on an NHL roster when Friday’s 3pm ET trade deadline passes is ineligible to play in the AHL for the remainder of the 2024-25 season and 2025 Calder Cup Playoffs

Players who need waivers to be loaned to AHL would need to be waived Thursday. @InsideAHLHockey

— Tony Androckitis* (@TonyAndrock) March 5, 2025

Montreal Canadiens Deadline Decisions

Beck does not require waivers, and thus there’s no risk to lose him via the waiver wire, but the Canadiens are set to face the Oilers on Thursday night, which means Beck would not be available to the Habs if he were to be waived on Thursday. This leads me to believe they’ll simply loan him to the Rocket on Friday, prior to the 3 pm deadline.

The Rocket desperately need any help they can get. They’re currently playing without their starter Jakub Dobes, who is not expected to be papered, seeing as he’s now the Canadiens’ official backup.

According to Anthony Marcotte, there have been discussions in regard to improving the Rocket’s goaltending situation between now and the AHL Trade Deadline on March 14. Technically, Montreal could loan Arber Xhekaj or Emil Heineman to the Rocket as well, but just like Dobes, they’re considered full-time members of the team.

Injured Rockets

On top of losing Dobes and Beck to the Habs, Laval is without Brandon Gignac, Luke Tuch, and Filip Mesar, three forwards currently nursing long-term injuries.

They’re also missing Vincent Arseneau, though he’s approaching a return to play. On the backend, Noel Hoefenmayer and Gustav Lindstrom are on the mend, yet more evidence to suggest the team needs reinforcements if possible.

The NHL will always take priority, but just as they must navigate the trade deadline carefully, it would be in the Canadiens’ best interest to keep the AHL in mind.