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Alex Newhook is a name that Canadiens fans have been bringing up a lot as of late. Ever since taking over the second-line centre role, Newhook has been playing some of the best hockey of his career. Despite this, the point totals haven’t followed suit. He has only two points in his last nine games and 23 on the year. So why are Canadiens fans so high on the young forward, and what is his ceiling? Let’s analyze what Alex Newhook‘s future in Montreal could look like.
Montreal Canadiens Alex Newhook and His Career Thus Far
Alex Newhook was originally drafted by the Colorado Avalanche in the first round of the 2019 NHL Entry Draft. He was then traded to Montreal in a deal prior to draft day in the summer of 2023 that saw Montreal give up a first and a second for the young forward. The 24-year-old currently has 123 points in 283 career NHL games. His career high came last season when he scored 34 points in only 55 games for Montreal. His point totals have regressed this year, but Newhook is becoming a more effective player overall for Montreal.
The Newfoundlander has also represented his country on the national stage. Newhook appeared for Canada at the 2021 World Junior Championships, where he notched three goals and six points in six contests. In his first full NHL season in 2021-22, he won the Stanley Cup as a member of the Avalanche.
Newhook’s Future in Montreal
Alex Newhook has proved that he’s a much more effective player down the middle. Last season and this year, his play improved when he played pivot down the stretch. The centre position allows him to use his speed much more effectively. However, with Kirby Dach returning from injury, he may not have a top-six role next year. Although, Christian Dvorak is expected to leave this offseason, so there is some opportunity down the middle for Newhook. However, with prospects Owen Beck and Michael Hage on the way, that might not be the case for long.
Still, Newhook has a championship pedigree from his time in Colorado and could be an effective middle-six player on a contending team. The Canadiens need a true second-line centre as soon as next season. Dach hasn’t been able to grab that role so this is Newhook’s chance to seize the opportunity. However, if he can’t find more offensive success, the team will likely acquire another center this offseason. This would in turn push him further down the lineup for the foreseeable future.
Newhook’s Career Projection
Alex Newhook has all the tools to be an effective offensive player at the NHL level. His speed is his biggest asset and he has sneaky good hands as well. Although Newhook does have a solid hockey IQ his brain can’t always keep up with his feet. His biggest issue currently is his lack of finish. He is a very similar player to former Canadien Artturi Lehkonen. Lehkonen was a solid middle-six forward for Montreal who was an effective forechecker and created offense but struggled to finish his chances. Newhook often falls into the same boat. Still, if you can create enough opportunities the points will come.
Newhook hasn’t proved yet that he can be a consistent offensive threat in the NHL. At 24-years-old, he has time to improve his numbers but his current career-high of 34 points doesn’t jump off the page. Unless Newhook is given the reigns to the second-line role permanently next season, it’s hard to imagine him breaking out offensively. He likely will top out as a career 35-45 point player. With the right linemates and the right situation, he could unlock a higher level. However, at this time it’s unclear if he can achieve that in Montreal.
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