Monster statement regarding Owen Beck and his future with the Montreal Canadiens

He surprised his organization so much that Kent Hughes was quick to offer him a professional contract, just before he was returned to the OHL, when he technically had two more years before he had to make a decision not to lose his rights.

Having just been traded to the OHL by the Mississauga Steelheads organization, his former GM, James Richmond, was apparently thinking ahead when he traded Owen Beck to the Peterborough Petes.

In an interview with TSN reporter Tony Ambrogio, Richmond explained that he believes Beck will be playing in the National Hockey League next season, which was a factor in his decision to part ways with his player and begin a rebuild.

Still, that's a huge statement coming from someone who knows him very well. The 18-year-old center will not be eligible to play in the AHL next year, so this means that Richmond firmly believes he will have a role in the big club.

Beck, who just won gold with Canada's junior team after an emergency call-up to the medal round, had 40 points, including 17 goals, in 30 games with the Steelheads this season.

We look forward to seeing his progress at training camp next year.