Beck’s transition to the pro ranks has been inconsistent. As a 22-year-old centre, his NHL production has been minimal through limited looks with the Montreal Canadiens, appearing in 28 games across three years with just two points. At the AHL level with Laval, he has been a regular contributor, but his scoring has taken a step back in his second full campaign. After a solid rookie year in 2024-25 with 44 points (15 goals, 29 assists) in 64 games, his totals dipped to 27 points (10 goals, 17 assists) in 49 games in 2025-26. This regression – especially for a player with middling NHL results – is not a welcome sign for a 2022 second-round pick trying to break onto a roster already loaded with young talent.

Beck’s game is built around hockey IQ and responsible two-way play, traits that helped him stand out in junior hockey and early in his AHL time. At the NHL level, though, he has yet to find a consistent offensive foothold, and his limited impact on both sides of the puck ha snot translated into regular ice time. For a centre who projects as a bottom-six option, year-over-year growth in the AHL is an important next step. Beck still has the toolkit to become a useful, smart depth centre, but the combination of stripped-down NHL output and a downturn in AHL production raises questions about the timing of his next jump. If he hopes to stick in the NHL, he will need to show he can drive play and contribute more reliably on the scoresheet, especially with the competition for middle-six minutes in Montreal’s crowded forward group.

After strong signs of a mature and confident game, Beck has trended in the other direction since the preseason with Montreal. His inability to secure a spot in the bottom-six with Montreal to start the 2025-26 season was a surprise for most, and he has had a slow start offensively in the AHL season with four points in 12 games for Laval. A sophomore slump in the NHL is one thing, but for a player of his perceived ability in the AHL is a red flag that needs to be closely monitored for fantasy managers in dynasty leagues. Currently, Beck is not more than a defensively minded center in the bottom-six.

Beck will be an NHLer for a very long time. He got into 12 NHL games this season on top of his 64 games in Laval and looked exactly how you want a 200-foot center to look. Defensively responsible, capable penalty killer, can chip in on offense, and is a good skater. Beck is a total package. He does everything well. Plus, 44 points in 64 games is nothing to scoff at against professional competition. He was 7th among U21 players in the AHL, ahead of numerous first-round picks. Beck will, barring anything unforeseen, go deep into the Canadiens’ training camp and should strongly contend for an opening-night roster slot. He may start out as the Canadiens’ fourth-line center, but will one day become either the second-line center or one of the best third-line centers in the entire NHL. It is an embarrassment of riches in the Canadiens. Beck looks to be the most projectable player within the Canadiens’ system right now and will undoubtedly have a long career at the highest level.

Owen Beck has added another title to his trophy case, winning Memorial Cup MVP as a member of the Saginaw Spirit. His 14 points in 16 games led the team, featuring draft-eligible defenseman Zayne Parekh, and top 2025 prospect Michael Misa, to the biggest achievement in junior hockey. Beck will make the permanent leap to the pros this coming season, despite having made his debut back in the 2022-23 season, and it will be an interesting decision for the Montreal Canadiens organization to decide whether he will play in the NHL or the AHL. Top-six minutes in the AHL will likely be better for Owen Beck to untap his offensive upside, but filling a role in the NHL at 20 is equally tantalizing. Known for his leadership, work ethic, and character, the Montreal Canadiens seem to have a longtime NHLer on their hands.