Ottawa Senators prospect Lucas Beckman, selected 97th overall in the 2025 NHL Draft, has emerged as one of the hottest goaltenders in junior hockey. The 18-year-old Montreal native backstopped the Chicoutimi Saguenéens to their first Gilles-Courteau Trophy in 32 years, earning a berth in the Memorial Cup.
A Season of Dominance
Beckman posted a .917 save percentage in the regular season, second only to Moncton Wildcats goaltender Rudy Guimond. In the QMJHL final, Beckman outplayed Guimond over six games, leading Chicoutimi to victory. "I think I proved that I’m able to dominate in this league," Beckman told the Ottawa Citizen. "I give my team a chance to win every night, no matter what."
Playoff Performance
Beckman's playoff run was stellar. In Round 1, he allowed just four goals in a sweep of the Halifax Mooseheads. In Round 2, he surrendered only two goals in four games against the Quebec Remparts, including back-to-back shutouts. The Senators took notice and signed him to a three-year entry-level deal before Round 3.
"It’s another step in my eventual dream of being inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame," Beckman said. "Step one was getting drafted, step two, signed. There’s a lot of steps left."
Mental Toughness
Beckman's mental preparation is key. He has worked with mental performance coaches since age 12, visualizing scenarios like allowing an embarrassing goal or facing long delays. "He’s so strong in his head," said goalie coach Alex Carrier. "After a bad game, he’s always very good the next game. Never two bad games."
Overcoming Adversity
Beckman started the season with the Baie-Comeau Drakkar, posting a .905 save percentage but a 4-14-3 record due to lack of team support. Despite the struggles, he remained focused and was traded to Chicoutimi, where his game reached new heights.
Now, Beckman aims to lead the Saguenéens to a Memorial Cup title, continuing his path toward hockey immortality.
