"Even the best players in the NHL say there's always more to work on," Canadiens prospect Owen Beck says.
"Even the best players in the NHL say there's always more to work on," Canadiens prospect Owen Beck says. (John Mahoney / Montreal Gazette)
While Owen Beck believes he’s close to the NHL and has played a handful of games in the league, the facts don’t lie.
Once again this season, he made it to the final day of Canadiens training camp before learning he had been assigned to the Laval Rocket, destined to potentially play a third full season in the AHL.
If the final decision at forward came down to a choice between Beck and the physical Florian Xhekaj, Canadiens management decided on the latter. Xhekaj was scheduled to make his regular-season debut for Montreal Tuesday night at the Bell Centre against the defending Stanley Cup-champion Carolina Hurricanes.
Xhekaj gets to play after the organization announced Ivan Demidov will miss two to four weeks with a lower-body injury. If another forward is injured, Beck might be the first player recalled.
Canadiens' Owen Beck, left, and Florian Xhekaj jockey for position during training camp scrimmage in Brossard on Sept. 24.
Canadiens’ Owen Beck, left, and Florian Xhekaj jockey for position during training camp scrimmage in Brossard on Sept. 24.
While there’s no doubt Beck, a second-round pick (33rd overall) in the 2022 NHL Draft, is disappointed with the decision, he appears to have returned to Laval with a positive attitude.
“I’m just ready to put the work in,” the 6-foot, 197-pounder said Tuesday after an unusually long 70-minute practice at Place Bell. “I know there’s a good opportunity (here) and I like our team. It’s set up to be a positive year for me … whatever that looks like. Obviously, the business is pretty fluid. Things move around all the time. You never know what can happen.”
Beck, 22, was held without a point in the Rocket’s opening two games against Syracuse — a 2-0 loss Friday night followed by a 6-1 win Saturday afternoon — both at home. He had two shots in each game and received extensive time killing penalties. Although a natural centre, Beck can also play on the wing if necessary.
“Obviously, it’s not ideal and there’s a lot of benefits from being in the NHL,” the articulate Beck said. “You’ve earned (the promotion) and feel like you’re right there. I just try and stick it out and trust that all the work I put in today is going to work out and benefit me more in the future. Spend a little bit more time in the oven and I think you come out the other side a bit better.
“That’s all I can focus on and try to keep a positive mindset. There’s always room to grow if I’m not there. You could say it’s a numbers reason. I’m just going to try and motivate myself and say there’s more work to be done. Even the best players in the NHL say there’s always more to work on.”
Beck’s in the final year of his entry-level contract and could become a restricted free agent next summer. There was a lot of turnover in the organization last summer — at least at the AHL level — with the Canadiens moving on from Joshua Roy, William Trudeau, Sean Farrell and Luke Tuch, who were all traded.
While Beck probably realizes he might have to change organizations to receive a legitimate NHL opportunity — he has played 28 games with the Canadiens, including 15 last season, with a goal and assist in his career — there’s no sense crossing that bridge yet.
“I don’t want to use the term victim; that just sounds almost derogatory,” Beck said. “They were one of the top four teams in the NHL last year. They have a very solid core. Obviously, their cap situation’s incredible. There’s a lot of factors that go into it. I’m just there (if) my name’s called, and I’ll try to do the best things I can every day to maybe force their hand and put me there at some point. I feel ready to jump in at that level.
“There are 31 other teams, but I’m with this organization. That’s the roster I’m trying to crack.”
Laval head coach Daniel Jacob will rely on his veterans this season for leadership and setting the tone on the ice. He said Beck returned to Laval angry, but noted that could work to the player’s benefit.
“Montreal did a good job, explaining to him (the decision),” Jacob said. “He came back with his work boots on, understanding that he’s close. He’s knocking at the door and is right there. We just want to reinforce the positive (aspects) with him.
“If you’re mad knowing what you need to work on, it’s awesome. But if you’re mad just to be mad, at that point, it’s not going to get better.”
Laval is preparing for weekend games at Springfield and Hartford, Saturday and Sunday, respectively.