The center ice situation in Montreal has shifted from “manageable” to “critical” in the blink of an eye. With Kirby Dach and Alex Newhook both sidelined by injuries, the Canadiens’ depth down the middle is being tested in ways General Manager Kent Hughes likely hoped to avoid this early in the season.
We know Hughes is active. According to Elliotte Friedman on Monday’s 32 Thoughts: The Podcast, the Canadiens were serious suitors for David Kampf before he signed his one-year, $1.1 million deal with the Vancouver Canucks on Saturday. Losing out on Kampf stings—he’s a reliable defensive pivot—but the hockey gods may have opened a different door on Monday afternoon.
The Boston Bruins placed John Beecher on waivers, and in my opinion, this might be the blessing in disguise the Habs need.
The Center Crisis: Injuries to Dach and Newhook Force Hughes’ Hand
Missing out on Kampf was a blow, but Beecher offers a different intriguing profile. Unlike a veteran stop-gap, Beecher is a reclamation project with pedigree. While he hasn’t exploded offensively in Boston, the context matters. The Bruins are in “win-now” mode and have little patience for development bumps. Montreal, despite their competitive aspirations, can afford to take a flyer on a player with raw tools who just needs a runway.
Scouting Report: John Beecher’s Stats and Fit for Montreal
Let’s look at the player. John Beecher was drafted by the Bruins in the 1st Round (30th Overall) of the 2019 NHL Draft. He has the frame and the pedigree that scouts love, but his offensive production has been stagnant.
In the current 2025-26 season, Beecher has played just 6 games, recording 1 goal and 0 assists.
His career numbers tell a similar story of a bottom-six grinder trying to find his touch: in 136 career NHL games, he has posted 11 goals and 11 assists for 22 points.
So, why claim him? Because at $900,000, he is a low-risk asset who is excellent in the faceoff circle and brings size to the fourth line. With the current injuries, Montreal doesn’t need a savior; they need a center who can win a draw, kill a penalty, and eat 12 minutes a night without being a liability. Beecher fits that mold perfectly, and perhaps a change of scenery—is exactly what the former Michigan Wolverine needs to unlock that first-round potential.
Finding the Latest Montreal Canadiens News
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