The Canadiens had a busy morning in Brossard, and the most interesting sight might have been the newest one: Owen Beck back on the ice for his first summer skate.
Beck’s return comes with a clear purpose. He’s one of the players trying to force his way onto the Montreal Canadiens roster at training camp, and getting back to work early fits that mission.
He wasn’t the only young player out there, either. Ivan Demidov and Alexander Zharovsky joined him for the session, giving the group a strong developmental feel right from the start.
Once again, Adam Nicholas was the man overseeing things. The development coach was right where he usually is, keeping a close eye on the players as they went through their work in Brossard.
Demidov’s presence stands out for obvious reasons. Fresh off signing his contract extension, the 20-year-old is already back in the mix and setting the tone. He’s coming off a 62-point season, and the message from his summer work is pretty clear: he wants another level next season.
Beck is chasing a different kind of breakthrough. The 22-year-old center appeared in 15 NHL games last season, and he’s looking to turn that into a much bigger role in 2026-27. Showing up early is part of that push.
Zharovsky, meanwhile, is continuing to settle in with the group while keeping his offseason preparation moving forward. Skating alongside the club’s more established faces is another step in that process.
For the Canadiens, these summer sessions are already revealing plenty about the mindset of the young players involved.
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For the Canadiens, the problem is bigger than just getting Dach back under contract. His waiver status means any move to the AHL would come with real risk, since the club would have to weigh the cap benefit of such a move against the possibility of losing him for nothing. In a roster picture that already demands patience and precision, Dach has become one more decision Montreal cannot afford to rush. [Read more 🡒]
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Canadiens Fans May See Demidovs Deal Very Differently Now
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Agent Dan Milstein has pushed back on the idea that the Canadiens somehow got away with a steal, making it clear Demidov is satisfied with the agreement and appreciates the long-term security it gives him. After a rookie season that showed why the hype followed him so quickly, the more interesting part now is how the organization and its newest young cornerstone view the deal as a foundation, not just a headline. [Read more 🡒]