3. Alex Newhook's growth offensively
We already know Alex Newhook is a valuable two-way forward. He was the third-line center on a Stanley Cup-winning Colorado Avalanche team in 2022. Newhook showed glimpses of offensive growth in 2023-24, recording 34 points in 55 games. It was a career-high for him in just 55 games. If Newhook can maintain that pace for 82 games, he'll reach a new career-high and make a run for full-time duties on the second line.
Newhook started the season against the Maple Leafs in 2023-24 with two goals. In theory, this year was a step back for the Newfoundland-born forward. However, Newhook recorded three shots on just 13:13 of ice time. It seemed like he impacted the game whenever he was on the ice and had some point-blank, highlight-reel chances.
That would have been quite the goal from Alex Newhook pic.twitter.com/chEV3XmQvw
— Matt Drake (@DrakeMT) October 10, 2024
Canadiens fans will want to see Newhook finish on some of those chances, but his debut shows plenty of potential. If he continues playing like that for the next two months, Patrik Laine's injury will be even easier to handle.