Where does Alex Newhook slot into the lineup?

When the Montreal Canadiens traded for Alex Newhook, they were hoping to acquire a player who was struggling because of his situation.

That seems to be exactly the case with Alex Newhook, whose development was a bit rushed with the Colorado Avalanche. Given the circumstances of where the team was at with their playoff hopes, it's unsurprising. The Avalanche were counting on Newhook being their number two centre behind Nathan MacKinnon and the pressure was too much.

Colorado was ready to turn a corner and flex their muscles as one of the best teams in the Western Conference. Newhook was still developing and trying to assert himself, but the pressure to win was high. Upon arriving in Montreal, while he dealt with a bit of injury trouble, he looked comfortable.

Newhook played 55 games in his inaugural season with the Habs, and after Sean Monahan was traded at the deadline, he assumed the second-line centre role with the Habs. Not only did his two-way game grow in leaps and bounds, but he showed plenty of confidence. It's unclear whether he will continue playing down the middle or on the wing, or if he will remain on the second line.

Second line, third line - centre or winger?

With Kirby Dach set to return, there will likely be a bit of competition for the second-line centre role. Assuming that camp goes well, it will be a battle between Newhook and Dach for the spot, which it seems more likely Dach's to lose. Dach has the size and he operates well in the middle because of his skating and vision.

I think that Newhook's speed is more effective if used on the wing, where he has less responsibility not having to support the defence and win faceoffs. On the wing, however, there are even more battles internally for him. Patrik Laine wasn't acquired to play on the third line, so he will presumably fill one of the winger roles, leaving one slot wide open.

Another factor is the top line, which will assumedly remain intact, because why fix what isn't broken.

With that said, I think the final winger spot will come down to a battle between Joshua Roy and Newhook. I believe that Newhook's speed is a killer and would be a matchup nightmare and his quick release on the rush would be a nice threat. But I don't believe he has the puck skills and IQ that Roy has, which makes him such a difficult player to match up against.

For my money, I think that Newhook would be a good fit on the third line. Maybe working with Brendan Gallagher and Christian Dvorak, forming a line that is tough to play against. Gallagher will bring the in-your-face grit, Dvorak, the steady two-way play and Newhook's speed and zone exits will be the perfect complement.