HabsWorld.net -- 

When a player is sent back to junior, it is difficult for an NHL team to recall them but it’s possible if enough emergency recalls are used.  That’s the case for the Habs and they’ve opted to pull someone up from the junior ranks, recalling Owen Beck from Peterborough of the OHL.

Beck was the first pick of the second round last year and made quite an impression in training camp, getting into four games and earning his entry-level contract before he was sent back to Mississauga.  Beck got off to a strong start there with 41 points in 30 games and was invited to Canada’s World Junior camp.

While he was originally cut from that team, an injury to Colton Dach mid-tournament resulted in Beck being brought back and he played in three games for Canada as they took home the gold.  Following the tournament, he was traded to the Petes where he has struggled so far, notching just two goals and an assist in seven games.

This recall is necessary with Nick Suzuki, Kirby Dach, and Christian Dvorak all missing Friday’s practice and the team still carrying just 11 forwards.  Laval isn’t carrying many extras either so they’ve decided that a short-term junior recall was the next best option.

The key phrase in there is short-term.  This isn’t a situation where Beck can stay up for the rest of the year as there is a five-game maximum before he must be returned to the OHL and he can only miss one game.  This means that even if he plays (which seems likely at this point), he won’t play enough to burn the first year of his entry-level contract.  Based on Peterborough’s schedule, Beck should be able to be available for both games before the All-Star break.