The Montreal Canadiens have recalled young Owen Beck from the Ontario Junior League. The center will join the team in Ottawa.
The Canadiens have recalled forward Owen Beck from the Peterborough Petes (emergency recall). Beck will join the team in Ottawa.
The Canadiens have recalled forward Owen Beck from the Peterborough Petes (emergency recall). Beck will join the team in Ottawa.#GoHabsGo
— Montreal Canadiens (@CanadiensMTL) January 27, 2023
With the multiple injuries within the organization, the Habs were forced to use an emergency recall.
The CH and Laval Rocket infirmary is overflowing. In Montreal alone, there are no less than eight players on the injured list, including seven forwards.
Earlier this week, BPM Sports’ Anthony Marcotte predicted an emergency recall.
Anthony Marcotte was right in our episode on Tuesday. He had predicted a recall of Owen Beck if ever the list of injured grew longer. Congratulation @anthonymarcotte ! ???????? https://t.co/xUqlCyG1QO
— The Dose (@LaDose_TVA) January 27, 2023
Since the Habs are currently in Ottawa for their next matchup on Saturday, this could explain why the CH decided to recall Owen Beck, rather than Joshua Roy, since he plays in Petersborough, Ontario.
Filip Mesar could also have been a good candidate, but it proves that the organization shows a lot of confidence in the 18-year-old center, who was also preferred to Rocket players, including Anthony Richard.
This morning, at morning training, the Canadiens had only 11 healthy attackers, including three who were absent for a day of treatment.
When we look at the 2022 draft, that of Owen Beck, only three players have played games in the NHL. Juraj Slafkovsky (39), Shane Wright (8) and David Jiricek (2).
It should be remembered that this is not his first emergency recall this year. This winter, during the World Junior Hockey Championship, Beck had also been called up urgently after an injury to Colton Dach.
He had also made a strong impression following his recall.
On the other hand, this emergency recall requires that Beck does not miss more than a match in the junior.
That’s pretty good, because his junior team will only play one game between now and February 1st. He could thus play the next two games, all against the Ottawa Senators.
After those two games, the NHL goes on leave for the All-Star Game, which will give some players more time to recover in time.
With Christian Dvorak who did not finish the game against the Red Wings and his presence which is still not confirmed for the next game, the CH need reinforcements in the center and Owen Beck was the best choice according to management.
Joshua Roy could also have been called up urgently, but since he is a natural winger, the choice was easier to take with Beck.
In addition, Sean Monahan does not seem to be approaching a return to the game, he who has not skated for three days. The last time he was seen on the ice, he was wearing a non-contact jersey.
The lack of center seems to have tipped the balance a lot.
Beck had impressed greatly in Habs training camp and many fans would have liked to see him play at least the nine tryouts at the start of the season.
He will not be able to play nine games, but it will be his professional trial so desired by CH fans.
Beck’s former coach and general manager with the Mississauga Steelheads had mentioned following the trade sending him to the Peterborough Petes that he had traded him for fear that he would play in the NHL next year.
Talked with @OHLSteelheads Coach/GM James Richmond about the deals yesterday. Of note, on #Canadiens prospect Owen Beck “I don’t want to bet against Owen Beck meaning I think he’s going to be in Montreal next year.” #OHL
— Tony Ambrogio (@Tony_Ambrogio) January 8, 2023
If it weren’t for me, Beck would have played with the Habs all season, because at his training camp, he showed that he was a mature, complete and competitive player.
Even if the Habs do not have the profile of a good team, the team spirit and the joy of the players are very strong this year and that would not have demoralized Beck, nor even harmed his development.
Although dominating as he does at the bottom allows him to perfect his game to arrive ready for the next CH training camp.
More details to come.