At 18, Owen Beck will visibly return to the Mississauga Steelheads. But before leaving for the Ontario Junior League, Beck received a nice vote of confidence from Kent Hughes and Jeff Gorton.
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A few hours before the sixth preseason game against the Ottawa Senators, the Ontarian wrote his name at the bottom of a first professional contract with the Canadiens. He signed a typical three-year rookie contract that will earn him an average of $950,000 the day he plays in the NHL.
The first pick in the second round (33rd overall) in the last draft, Beck drew reflectors to him after having a very good rookie tournament in Buffalo.
The CH also recognized his good camp by quickly offering him a contract. From the 2022 draft, only four players selected in the second round have ever received this honor.
“It’s a huge honor to get a contract at my first camp,” Beck said with a big smile on his face. It’s really a good feeling. I feel that they trust me. I worked hard this summer. »
“I liked his maturity in his game, mentioned Martin St-Louis. I also liked his consistency with his decisions on the ice. He has a good shot, he scored goals, he hit posts. He is dangerous offensively, but also responsible in his territory. »
A smart hub
Beck has received praise from teammates, Martin St-Louis and senior team management since the start of rookie camp. He is constantly described as an intelligent center.
In the fire machine in Montreal, many observers have drawn parallels with Patrice Bergeron and Ryan O’Reilly, two other centers drafted in the second round in the past.
Beck also said he was looking to model his game by watching Bergeron and O’Reilly.
Last year in Mississauga, the right-handed center had 51 points (21 goals, 30 assists) in 68 games. He won the Bobby-Smith Trophy, awarded to the most outstanding student player in the OHL.
Without saying he already had his ticket to a return to the junior ranks, St. Louis predicted that Beck will act even more like a point guard with the Steelheads.
“He will go there with a lot of confidence. He has a good camp, he signed a contract, he will play the role of a point guard. He will have this responsibility. You can lead in many ways. Yes, speaking, but the best way remains with your actions. He learned many things here. He will have a platform for leadership. »