In today’s edition of the Bottom Six Minutes, we’re talking about two separate days of scrimmages. As the selection process rolls along for the 2023-24 Montreal Canadiens, the roster will begin to take shape over the next week. Plenty of young players are looking to seize one of the few open spots
Whether or not either of them actually make the roster, the good news is that Joshua Roy and Owen Beck have both looked like they could.
Roy has been skating with Kirby Dach and Sean Monahan, and hasn’t looked out of place for a second alongside two locks for the opening night lineup. His IQ and positioning have helped him a lot in playing with more experienced players, and he scored a goal on Saturday by simply being in the right place when Sean Monahan shot.
Roy’s play drew high praise from Sean Monahan after Saturday’s game. “He’s smart. He understands the game at a high level, I think he can make plays, he knows where to go,” said Monahan. “When you think the game at that level it’s easier for you, and he has that.” Even if he doesn’t end up taking a spot, he’s at least put himself on the map with his future teammates.
Beck, for his part, was skating with Raphael Harvey-Pinard and Brendan Gallagher, forming arguably the most frustrating line to play against that we’ve seen in these scrimmages. It also led to Beck having arguably his most impressive outing in the three days of scrimmages.
Beck’s defensive prowess has always been a hallmark of his game, but with two relentless forecheckers on his wings, we saw them hem the opposition in their own zone for long periods of time.
Between the two of them, Roy stands a better chance of actually earning a roster spot on flexibility alone. He is allowed to be assigned to the Laval Rocket at any point, whereas the NHL’s agreement with the CHL would require the 19-year-old Beck to return to the OHL should he not play for the Habs.
Even if their eventual pre-season games suggest they need more development time, the good news is that they’re gaining invaluable experience, and looking like they belong in the process.
Bonus Highlights!
The Sheriff scored both goals for his team today.
Suzuki making moves
Click the play button below to listen to your full Bottom Six Minutes, also available on your podcast platform of choice. The next time you hear from me, it’ll be after Monday night’s pre-season game against the New Jersey Devils.
