As Montreal Canadiens forward Alex Newhook approaches his return from injury, the team faces a challenging decision regarding his placement in the lineup. After suffering a broken ankle in November, Newhook’s healthy comeback presents both opportunities and dilemmas, particularly given the performance of other players in his absence.
Newhook’s Impressive Performance Before Injury
At the start of the season, Newhook had a hot streak, recording six goals and 12 points in his first 17 games. This pace would translate to a potential 58-point season over 82 games. In the 2023-24 season, he accumulated 15 goals and 34 points in 55 appearances. However, in the following season, his production declined, finishing with 15 goals and 26 points.
Top Potential Lineup Positions for Newhook
Upon his return, the Canadiens have several options regarding where to place Newhook in their lineup:
5. Second Line: Replacing Kapanen
- Newhook has a high shooting percentage of 25.0% this season.
- Kapanen has found success on a line with Ivan Demidov, making this option debatable.
- Newhook primarily plays center but has been positioned on the wing due to a high faceoff success rate of 44.3%.
4. Second Line: Replacing Slafkovsky
- Juraj Slafkovsky has made significant progress since joining Demidov’s line, increasing his goal tally to 21.
- Newhook could reclaim a role where he formerly thrived, while Slafkovsky might shift back to improve efficiency with Nick Suzuki and Cole Caufield.
3. First Line: Replacing Dach
- Despite injury setbacks, Kirby Dach is still a viable center option for the Canadiens.
- Newhook has previously played on the first line, but his performance there was inconsistent.
2. Fourth Line: Replacing Gallagher
- Brendan Gallagher has struggled, totaling just 19 points in 57 games this season.
- While Gallagher’s veteran presence is valued, a switch for Newhook could add offensive firepower.
1. Third Line: Replacing Veleno
- Joe Veleno has yet to fulfill expectations after six seasons in the NHL.
- Newhook’s speed and scoring ability make him a strong candidate to enhance third-line performance.
The Impact of Newhook’s Return
While Newhook’s points production is not expected to mirror his early season success immediately, his return brings depth to the Canadiens’ lineup. Fans can anticipate an exciting outcome as Newhook steps into a role that could support the team’s competitiveness in the remaining games. The ongoing evaluation of the lineup positions will be crucial for head coach Martin St. Louis as he looks to maximize the team’s potential.
