Montreal Canadiens: A Star Player On PP1 Amid Injury Return…Signals Organization’s Confidence
Alex Newhook, the most recent acquisition of Kent Hughes by trade, skated on the ice on Friday morning in anticipation of playing again.
Now, if you look at it straight, the fact that No. 15 is prepared to play again is positive. But during the Canadiens’ practice in Brossard, Quebec, there was more cause for celebration. After taking Tanner Pearson’s place at the bumper, Newhook joined the top power play group.
It’s not shocking that Newhook was deployed, considering what Hughes gave up to acquire him. However, rust and the necessity for some time to become used to game speed are also factors to take into account. The fact that Marty immediately gave him a significant role.
The choice is a clear indication of the Canadiens’ confidence.in the fifteenth overall pick of 2019. Which ought to light a fire under a team like the Habs, who are desperate for offensive production. The lineup has been severely damaged by that dreadful injury bug, but Marty’s plan for Newhook will now be revealed.
To be honest, I don’t think there’s a better place for Newhook to use his quickness and effective playmaking. His flexibility in stopping and starting should be a great asset to the starting lineup. The team will benefit if he can divert part of the opposition’s focus from Cole Caufield and Janj Slafkovsky.
The only injured Canadiens are Kirby Dach and Christian Dvorak, with Newhook making his rare 1 pm start against the Dallas Stars. which represents the club’s healthiest state since the 2023–24 season’s start. With precisely 32 games remaining, Newhook can gain some confidence ahead of the 2024–25 campaign.
I’ve talked extensively about the Habs’ need.to include players with impact in their top six. Even though I’m not sure if he is a top six player just yet, he has the chance to prove himself. The best thing is that Newhook’s output will only be enhanced and improved by Kirby Dach, his likely center.
The announcement of Newhook’s comeback has only heightened my excitement for what will transpire between now and the start of the upcoming season. Add Dach, who was starting to truly establish himself as the second line center. And then the forward group for the Habs should have some good new players if Hughes drafts and/or acquires via trade.
To make a difference, one of the top four forward prospects in the draft—which appears to be a group of four players—will undoubtedly be needed. Hughes understands full well that the band-aid solutions are no longer an option. Hughes’s vision was only reinforced by the acquisitions of Dach and Newhook, and he may still make a move ortwo tricks in his sleeve.
