As part of the build-up to the first-round playoff series between the Capitals and the Canadiens, we will be looking at some of Montreal’s most important players to know…
Alex Newhook
#15 | C
Height: 5’11” | Weight: 200
Born: January 28, 2001
Birthplace: St. John’s, NL
Acquired: Traded to Montreal by Colorado in June 2023
Scouting Report:
Newhook’s footwork, agility and heel-to-heel skating are high, high-end. He can skate circles around the opposition if he wants to—EPrinkside.com 2019
What makes Alex unique is his high-octane motor. He’s magnetized to the puck in the offensive-end and is constantly in motion—Hockeyprospect.com 2019
Offensively driven player, he handles the puck with finesse and excels when leading a rush—Future Considerations 2019
A terrific skater with excellent balance and agility. He has powerful strides that allow him to accelerate quickly and blow by defenders—McKeen’s Hockey 2019
explosive forward … at his best with puck on his stick … always wants the puck … plays with no fear … quick release … dangerous every shift
Elite Prospects
Why You Should Know Who He Is: Newhook took a bit of a step back in 2024-25, tying a career-high in goals (15), but needing 27 more games in which to do it, and falling eight helpers shy of his 2023-24 total in the process. The former first-round pick out of Boston College (one of three in this series… can you name the other two?) has been a lock for 13-15 goals and 26-34 points per season in each of his four NHL campaigns, despite playing anywhere from 55 to 82 games.
But the reason you need to know him is because he’s likely to slot in on the Habs’ second line alongside Patrik Laine and new blue chip arrival Ivan Demidov (Newhook and Demidov each scored in the first 14 minutes of the latter’s debut against the Hawks earlier in the week). And if the Canadiens have any realistic hope in this series, it’s likely to involve a second scoring line emerging, with this trio being the most likely candidates to do so.
How the Caps Can Stop Him: Newhook, like many of Montreal’s forwards (and their head coach), is undersized but skilled, a speedy skater who could give some Caps forwards and defenders some trouble. He’s not a particularly adept playmaker, so not letting him wriggle free into space to get a shot off will be key to slowing him down. And, of course, the best defense is a good offense, so the more they force a poor defender like Newhook (and, for that matter, Laine) to defend, the better.
Oh, and to answer the trivia question above: Ryan Leonard (duh) and… Mike Matheson.