The Alex Newhook top line expirement

When the Montreal Canadiens facilitated a trade for Colorado Avalanche forward Alex Newhook, the hope was that they could cash in on a player who no longer had the faith of the organization that drafted him.

Kent Hughes and Jeff Gorton were very familiar with Newhook because they have deep roots in Boston, specifically the college hockey scene there. That is of particular interest because the duo at the helm of the Habs rebuild got to watch Newhook during his two seasons with the Boston College Eagles. So surely they have some insights about the player, which other managers might not have.

Newhook was a first-round selection in a strong top 30, featuring Cole Caufield, Jack Hughes and Matthew Boldy. Unfortunately, Newhook needed patience and the Colorado Avalanche were in the competitive window. It hasn't worked out yet, but he is in a favourable position alongside Habs captain Nick Suzuki and Cole Caufield.

With just six goals through his first 28 games and a minus nine plus/minus differential; hopes are that 22 and 14 can get him going. Because Newhook likes to attack the offensive zone with speed, he meshes well with Suzuki and Caufield who are more methodical. They attack in layers, finding passing seams, and if Newhook can slow down the game, while still playing with pace the trio could pop off.

That is yet to happen, but Newhook has many tangibles that make his potential intriguing. I can't think of a better pair of players for Newhook, who loves to play fast. The line skates quite fast collectively, it's only a matter of time before things start clicking.

As Newhook put it in an interview with RDS legendary play-by-play announcer Pierre Houde, 'We're working off each other better and better every game." Suzuki and Caufield are going to create and make things happen, so Newhook just needs to get open. Stick on the ice and get into an open space ready for the puck.

First line lacks size, but in 2025-2026 it will look different

I can see an argument that the top line is seriously lacking size, and I tend to agree, with Suzuki being the tallest (5'11") and heaviest (212 lbs). This is concerning because some of the bigger teams will be able to wear them down. This is where guys like Arber Xhekaj and Josh Anderson come in handy, but heavier teams might limit the top line.

This is more prevalent during the playoffs, so the Habs aren't likely to leave this line intact for the long term. At this juncture, head coach Martin St. Louis is trying to spark Newhook. But we know that Ivan Demidov will be in Montreal next year, which will likely push Newhook down the lineup.

So, while size is a concern with this variation of the first line, I would like to think it won't stick to the end of the season.