Montreal Canadiens: Where Does Alex Newhook Slot In?

While the Montreal Canadiens pre-draft acquisition of a skilled, young forward with untapped potential in Alex Newhook wasn’t a huge surprise, it does create question marks. Kent Hughes has been transparent about his interest in adding another age-specific forward to the forward core.

However, with a significant group of forwards battling for just 12 roster spots, it raises the question of “who goes where in the lineup?”

Certainly, Dach, Monahan and Newhook can play wing if called upon, and having too many centres is certainly not a hindrance. But with Suzuki, all but securing the first-line role and Dach’s best fit being him slotting in on the second, that still leaves newly signed Sean Monahan, Christian Dvorak and Jake Evans.

Also to be noted, the top six winger situation adds another echelon to the forward situation, with Caufield, Harvey Pinard, Anderson and let’s say, Juraj Slafkovsky, all slotted in the top six.

The third line should pan out with Monahan anchoring the middle, flanked by long-time Hab Brendan Gallagher. With Denis Gurianov not being re-signed, Dvorak will fill out the third line, in a sort of center timeshate with Monahan.

The fourth line will likely feature Michael Pezzetta, Jake Evans (in all likelihood) and one of the veteran forwards, either Joel Armia or Mike Hoffman. Barring a trade, or putting someone on waivers, the forward situation is something for Marty and co., to consider.

What might the opening night lineup look like?

Line 1: Caufield – Suzuki – Anderson

Line 2: Slafkovsky – Dach – Newhook

Line 3: Monahan – Dvorak – Gallagher

Line 4: Pezzetta – Evans – Armia

Dvorak is not guaranteed to be around come October, but as it stands right now he is still there. The issue with this is the fact that youngsters Rafael Harvey-Pinard, Jesse Ylonen, SeanFarrell and Emil Heineman sit, either in the press box or down in Laval, the latter of which would be best for their development.

But if these guys are just keeping a roster spot warm, then it might be in Hughes best interest to facilitate a trade or something to move some bodies, which would allow the youth movement it’s time in the spotlight.

It is definitely an interesting situation to follow, and in years past there certainly wouldn’t be a thought of having too many centres. But gone are those days, replaced by days that require some decisions, and yes it’s only the beginning of the summer, but it’s something to follow.

If such an onus was put on bringing in young talent, then having Dvorak, Armia or Hoffman underperform, while prospects are waiting is just foolish.

Time will tell what happens, and the top 12’s look is anybody’s guess at this point. The one thing that seems likely is that after giving up so much for Newhook, he will be given a prominent role to start the season.

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