Canadiens sign second-round pick Owen Beck to entry-level contract

Owen Beck has signed his three-year entry-level contract with the Montreal Canadiens.

Beck becomes the third 2022 draft pick to sign a deal with the Canadiens this season, joining first-round picks Juraj Slafkovsky and Filip Mesar.

Beck, drafted 33rd overall this summer, has managed to stick with the Canadiens after a few rounds of cuts. He has been a pleasant surprise for the Canadiens during preseason action, particularly at the Prospects Challenge in Buffalo.

If Beck doesn’t make the Canadiens, he’ll be returned to the OHL’s Mississauga Steelheads. Beck had a fantastic rookie campaign in the O, recording 21 goals and 51 points. One of the best faceoff men in the OHL last year, Beck has handled his own against NHL-quality talent.

Beck is strong on the puck, pushes the tempo, and has NHL-level skating already. Scouts would like to see him produce more in the OHL after the Canadiens send him back. All this extra action should help set him up for a good campaign, and, perhaps, another shot with the Habs next year.

The Canadiens have lost all five preseason games so far.