When the Montreal Canadiens traded for Alex Newhook, they had the same high hopes as the Colorado Avalanche when they drafted him in 2019.
Now, there is still plenty of time for Newhook to develop before he reaches his prime, but early signs point to him being a fringe middle-six winger/centre. However, I think he is most suited as the Habs third-line centre, where he can use his speed and play the North-South style that isn't utilized on line two. The issue, of course, is that Newhook isn't great in the faceoff dot or defensively.
Newhook doesn't have the puck skills to gel with a guy like Kirby Dach, he is best suited play a simplified game. One where rushing to the net and banging for rebounds is the lines bread and butter. It has worked well so far with Jake Evans flanking Juraj Slafkovsky and Newhook, and I like the idea, but I expect that Slafkovsky will make his way back to the top line.
When Slafkovsky does move, if Dach goes back to the second line, I think Newhook should shift down the depth chart. It may not work out right away, but I think Newhook will benefit from playing against the opposition's bottom two lines. It's not a shot at Newhook, but just the fact that he will struggle to shine playing against the opponent's best offensive players.
Second line centre highlights Habs issues
This is meant as no knock against Jake Evans, but he isn't a number two centre on a contending team. The problem that the Canadiens have, is that Dach and Newhook both have been unable to centre the second line. Slafkovsky playing with Evans and Newhook, while it may raise his two linemates' game, it doesn't benefit the Slovak.
Worry not, because the future is bright with guys like Michael Hage and Ivan Demidov will fill two top-six roles. This should shore up the offence, but for the time being, it is going to be a long stretch of frustrating performances. Montreal's power play has sputtered, and without Patrik Laine or the aforementioned prospects available, it's going to get worse before it gets better.
The silver lining of a poor season offensively is another high draft pick, but at this juncture, the goal is for the team to become competitive. Obviously for the fans, adding another top 5-10 picks would be intriguing. But the team has high hopes, and it's not the only indicator of a successful rebuild, but putting together some seasons above .500 certainly boosts morale.
Montreal is offensively challenged at this point, and if they hope to correct that, they will need to upgrade their second-line centre. I think Dach and Laine on the wings could be a fun option down the road, but the line will need a true top-six centre. I love Evans and all that he does for the team, but expecting a top-six offence from him would be ignoring his potential and expecting too much.