Alex Newhook

Canadian ice hockey player (born 2001)

Ice hockey player
Alex Newhook
Born (2001-01-28) January 28, 2001 (age 23)
St. John's, Newfoundland, Canada
Height 5 ft 10 in (178 cm)
Weight 199 lb (90 kg; 14 st 3 lb)
Position Centre
Shoots Left
NHL team
Former teams		 Montreal Canadiens
Colorado Avalanche
NHL Draft 16th overall, 2019
Colorado Avalanche
Playing career 2020–present

Alex Newhook (born January 28, 2001) is a Canadian professional ice hockey centre for the Montreal Canadiens of the National Hockey League (NHL). He was selected in the first round, 16th overall, by the Colorado Avalanche in the 2019 NHL Entry Draft and won the Stanley Cup with the Avalanche in 2022, becoming the third player from Newfoundland and Labrador to do so, following Daniel Cleary (2008) and Michael Ryder (2011) .

Playing career

Amateur

Newhook joined the Victoria Grizzlies of the British Columbia Hockey League (BCHL) for the 2017–18 season. He finished second in team scoring with 66 points in 45 games. Newhook also recorded nine points in 12 postseason games.

During the 2018–19 season, Newhook signed his Letter of Intent to join Boston College for the 2019–20 season.[1] He led the league in scoring, recording 38 goals and 64 assists for 102 points in 53 games. Newhook won the Vern Dye Memorial Award as the league's most valuable player.[2] He was also named the Canadian Junior Hockey League (CJHL) most valuable player.[3] Following the season, Newhook was selected in the first round, 16th overall, by the Colorado Avalanche in the 2019 NHL Entry Draft.[4]

Newhook had an impressive freshman campaign with the Boston College Eagles men's ice hockey, posting 19 goals and 23 assists for 42 points in 34 games. He led all Hockey East freshmen in points and goals, led all NCAA freshman in goals and tied for 7th in scoring among all NCAA skaters. He was named the Tim Taylor Award recipient, the first in Boston College history, as well as the Hockey East Rookie of the Year.[5] He was also named a Hockey East Second Team All-Star and to the All-Rookie Team.[6]

Newhook missed the start of his sophomore season at Boston College due to his participation in the 2021 World Juniors held in Edmonton, Alberta. Team Canada required their players to quarantine for a full two months ahead of the competition as they held training camp in Red Deer, Alberta.[7] After returning to campus following a Silver medal result with Team Canada, Newhook was injured in his season debut. His injury combined with early quarantine protocols resulted in Newhook appearing in only 12 games in total for the season, posting 7 goals and 16 points for the Eagles.[8]

Professional

Colorado Avalanche (2021–23)

On March 31, 2021, Newhook ended his collegiate career by agreeing to a three-year, entry-level contract with the Colorado Avalanche. He was assigned by the Avalanche to begin his professional career with AHL affiliate, the Colorado Eagles.[9] After producing at the AHL level, collecting 5 goals and 9 points through 8 games, Newhook was called up to the Avalanche's taxi squad on May 2, 2021.[10] He made his NHL debut on May 5, 2021, in a Colorado Avalanche 3–2 loss to the San Jose Sharks.[8] Newhook appeared in six games with the Avalanche during the 2020–21 season. Continuing into the 2021 Stanley Cup playoffs, he scored his first NHL goal on May 21, 2021, in the third game of the Avalanche's first-round series against the St. Louis Blues.[11] He ultimately appeared in eight playoff games, before the team was ousted in the second round by the Vegas Golden Knights.[12]

Newhook made the Avalanche's opening night roster for the 2021–22 season, but coach Jared Bednar sent him back to the Eagles after the first game, seeking "more confidence with the puck." He played ten games in the AHL and eventually returned to the Avalanche, playing 71 regular season games with 13 goals and 20 assists. Bednar did not initially make use of Newhook in the 2022 Stanley Cup playoffs, being out of the lineup for the entire first round against the Nashville Predators and all but two of six games against the Blues in the second round. However, he then played through the entirety of the Western Conference Final series against the Edmonton Oilers and the eventual victory over the Tampa Bay Lightning in the 2022 Stanley Cup Finals, finishing with 4 assists in 12 games.[13]

The 2022–23 season was poised at the outset to be a significant opportunity for Newhook, as the departure of longtime second line centreman Nazem Kadri left a positional vacancy that the team would give him the chance to fill.[13] Newhook later said that Kadri had encouraged him of his ability to handle this task.[14] He soon experienced difficulties in this endeavour, not aided by an array of injuries to other Avalanche players, and was soon supplanted by J.T. Compher. As well, coach Bednar frequently preferred to play him as winger.[15] On December 5, he played his 100th NHL game, a 5–3 loss to the Philadelphia Flyers, scoring a goal that night.[16] He finished the regular season with 14 goals and 16 assists in 82 games.[15] The Avalanche were unexpectedly upset in the first round of the 2023 Stanley Cup playoffs by the Seattle Kraken, with Newhook registering only one assist in seven games and seeing his ice-time decline.[17][18] By season's end, it was widely assessed that he had not been able to take the next step the team had been hoping he would, raising questions as to his future with the team.[15][19][17] Newhook himself would subsequently say "there were times that I maybe could have got a bit more opportunity and definitely could have done better with the opportunity I was given at times. For whatever reason, I didn't have as good a year as I wanted to."[18]

Montreal Canadiens (2023–present)

As an impending free agent following the conclusion of his entry-level contract with the Avalanche, Newhook was traded to the Montreal Canadiens in exchange for both a first and second round pick in 2023 and prospect Gianni Fairbrother on June 27, 2023.[20] The trade reunited him with his former agent, Kent Hughes, with the foregoing serving as the Canadiens' general manager.[21] On July 11, 2023, Newhook was re-signed by the Canadiens to a four-year, $11.6 million contract extension.[22]

Newhook played his first game with the Canadiens on October 11, 2023, scoring two goals in the team's season opener. He was placed on the team's second line with Kirby Dach and Juraj Slafkovský, a pairing that received strong initial assessments.[23] However, centreman Dach sustained a long-term injury in the team's second game of the season. Coach Martin St. Louis announced that Newhook would be shifted back to the centre position to replace him.[24] He struggled at the centre position, going back to the wing following Christian Dvorak's return to the lineup in early November.[25] Enjoying more success in that role, he had 7 goals and 6 assists, fourth on the team in points, before sustaining a high ankle sprain in a November 30 game against the Florida Panthers. It was announced he would miss 10 to 12 weeks of the season.[26]

International play

Medal record
Representing  Canada
Ice hockey
World Junior Championships
Silver medal – second place 2021 Canada

Newhook was selected to participate for Canada at the 2021 World Junior Championships in Edmonton, Alberta. He recorded 3 goals and 6 points at the tournament, helping Canada capture the silver medal, falling in the gold medal game to rival United States and fellow Boston College linemate Matthew Boldy and teammate Spencer Knight.[8]

Personal life

Alex Newhook was born to parents Paula and Shawn in St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada.[27] He began skating at the age of 4.[28] Growing up, Newhook idolized fellow Newfoundlander and Stanley Cup champion Daniel Cleary, who he called "a guy that I watched growing up and dreamt of being like him when I grew up."[28]

Newhook's younger sister Abby is also a hockey player. In a questionnaire for the NHL, Newhook responded to the prompt "not a lot of people know that I..." with "have a sister who is better than me at hockey." Abby Newhook played for the preparatory school Tabor Academy's team and the Bay State Breakers,[27] before, like her brother, playing for Boston College.[29][30]

Career statistics

Regular season and playoffs

Regular season Playoffs
Season Team League GP G A Pts PIM GP G A Pts PIM
2015–16 St. Andrew's College CAHS 11 2 5 7 2 — — — — —
2016–17 St. Andrew's College CAHS 4 2 0 2 0 — — — — —
2016–17 York Simcoe Express ETAMMHL 33 43 31 74 14 7 1 7 8 2
2016–17 Aurora Tigers OJHL 1 0 1 1 10 — — — — —
2017–18 Victoria Grizzlies BCHL 45 22 44 66 10 12 3 6 9 8
2018–19 Victoria Grizzlies BCHL 52 38 64 102 21 15 11 13 24 2
2019–20 Boston College HE 34 19 23 42 8 — — — — —
2020–21 Boston College HE 12 7 9 16 8 — — — — —
2020–21 Colorado Eagles AHL 8 5 4 9 4 — — — — —
2020–21 Colorado Avalanche NHL 6 0 3 3 2 8 1 1 2 2
2021–22 Colorado Avalanche NHL 71 13 20 33 12 12 0 4 4 4
2021–22 Colorado Eagles AHL 10 4 7 11 2 — — — — —
2022–23 Colorado Avalanche NHL 82 14 16 30 22 7 0 1 1 4
2023–24 Montreal Canadiens NHL 55 15 19 34 18 — — — — —
NHL totals 214 42 58 100 54 27 1 6 7 10

International

Year Team Event Result GP G A Pts PIM
2017 Canada Black U17 7th 5 1 3 4 4
2019 Canada U18 4th 7 5 5 10 0
2021 Canada WJC 2nd place, silver medalist(s) 6 3 3 6 2
Junior totals 18 9 11 20 6

Awards and honours

Award Year
College
HE All-Rookie Team 2020 [31]
HE Rookie of the Year 2020 [5]
HE Second All-Star Team 2020 [32]
New England D1 All-Stars 2020 [33]
New England Rookie of the Year 2020
Tim Taylor Award 2020 [34]
NHL
Stanley Cup champion 2022 [35]

References

  1. ^ Short, Robin. "Newhook makes it official: he's Boston College bound". The Telegram. Retrieved November 15, 2018.
  2. ^ Dheensaw, Cleve. "GRIZZLIES' CAPTAIN ALEX NEWHOOK NAMED BCHL MVP". Victoria Grizzlies. Retrieved February 26, 2019.
  3. ^ "St. John's hockey star Alex Newhook named top junior A player in Canada". CBC.ca. Retrieved May 16, 2019.
  4. ^ "Avalanche Selects Alex Newhook at No. 16 Overall at 2019 NHL Draft". Colorado Avalanche. Retrieved June 21, 2019.
  5. ^ a b "Hockey sensation Alex Newhook wins NCAA rookie of the year". cbc.ca. April 10, 2020. Retrieved April 11, 2020.
  6. ^ "Boldy, Knight and Newhook Named to Hockey East All-Rookie Team". bceagles.com. March 17, 2020. Retrieved April 11, 2020.
  7. ^ "Avalanche prospect Alex Newhook splitting time between Team Canada, Boston College". The Denver Post. November 15, 2020. Retrieved May 6, 2021.
  8. ^ a b c "Top Prospect Alex Newhook Makes NHL Debut For Colorado Avalanche In 3-2 Loss To Sharks". denver.cbslocal.com. May 6, 2021. Retrieved May 6, 2021.
  9. ^ "Avalanche signs Alex Newhook". Colorado Avalanche. March 31, 2021. Retrieved March 31, 2021.
  10. ^ "Avalanche's Alex Newhook added to taxi squad". CBS Sports. May 2, 2021. Retrieved May 2, 2021.
  11. ^ Bailey, Jeff (May 21, 2021). "Avalanche rookie Alex Newhook scores first NHL goal against Blues in Stanley Cup playoffs". The Denver Post. Retrieved August 12, 2023.
  12. ^ "Golden Knights beat Avalanche, advance to Round 3 of Stanley Cup Playoffs". Sportsnet. June 10, 2021. Retrieved August 12, 2023.
  13. ^ a b Baugh, Peter (October 3, 2022). "Alex Newhook, Avalanche second-line center? The youngster is getting a chance". The Athletic. Retrieved August 12, 2023.
  14. ^ Fredrickson, Kyle (October 13, 2022). "Avalanche players reflect on Nazem Kadri's legacy in Colorado before Flames matchup: 'A great teammate'". The Denver Post. Retrieved August 12, 2023.
  15. ^ a b c Rawal, Evan (May 10, 2023). "Avalanche Season In Review: Where Does Alex Newhook Fit?". Colorado Hockey Now. Retrieved August 12, 2023.
  16. ^ Mercer, Nick (January 27, 2023). "'A pretty cool milestone': 100 games into NHL career, Newfoundland's Alex Newhook talks hockey, family and the fun he's having with the Avalanche". SaltWire. Retrieved August 12, 2023.
  17. ^ a b Fredrickson, Kyle (June 27, 2023). "Colorado Avalanche trade Alex Newhook to Montreal Canadiens". The Denver Post. Retrieved August 12, 2023.
  18. ^ a b Cowan, Stu (July 11, 2023). "Armed with new deal, Alex Newhook eager to start fresh with Canadiens". Montreal Gazette. Retrieved August 12, 2023.
  19. ^ Shapiro, Jake (June 27, 2023). "Avs dump Alex Newhook for picks after he couldn't fill needed void". Denver Sports. Retrieved August 12, 2023.
  20. ^ "Canadiens acquire rights to Alex Newhook". Montreal Canadiens. June 27, 2023. Retrieved June 27, 2023.
  21. ^ Cowan, Stu (June 27, 2023). "Canadiens trade draft picks for Avalanche forward Alex Newhook". Montreal Gazette. Retrieved June 27, 2023.
  22. ^ "Four-year contract for Alex Newhook". Montreal Canadiens. July 11, 2023. Retrieved July 11, 2023.
  23. ^ Leijon, Erik (October 12, 2023). "Kirby Dach's line shines in inconsistent opener for Habs". Montreal Gazette. Retrieved October 12, 2023.
  24. ^ Engels, Eric (October 16, 2023). "Kirby Dach's long-term absence leaves giant hole in middle of Canadiens' lineup". Sportsnet. Retrieved October 16, 2023.
  25. ^ "Should the Canadiens be concerned about Alex Newhook?". Montreal Gazette. November 10, 2023. Retrieved December 2, 2023.
  26. ^ "Alex Newhook out for 10 to 12 weeks". Montreal Canadiens. December 2, 2023. Retrieved December 2, 2023.
  27. ^ a b "'I have a sister who's better than me': NHL's 1st-round pick Alex Newhook shares spotlight with sister Abby". CBC Canada. June 25, 2019. Archived from the original on June 25, 2019. Retrieved October 25, 2019.
  28. ^ a b "Newhook Comes from a St. John's Hockey Family". NHL.com. July 29, 2019. Retrieved October 25, 2019.
  29. ^ Salzano, Grant (September 18, 2019). "Meet The Eagles, Boston College Men's Hockey: Alex Newhook". BC Interruption. Retrieved October 25, 2019.
  30. ^ Cowan, Stu (September 8, 2023). "Canadiens' Alex Newhook isn't only hockey player in family". Montreal Gazette. Retrieved July 8, 2023.
  31. ^ "Hockey East names 2019-20 Pro Ambitions All-Rookie Team". hockeyeastonline.com. March 17, 2020. Retrieved March 17, 2020.
  32. ^ "Hockey East names 2019-20 All-Star Teams". hockeyeastonline.com. March 18, 2020. Retrieved March 18, 2020.
  33. ^ "Three eagles honored by New England writers". Boston College Eagles. April 14, 2020. Retrieved April 14, 2020.
  34. ^ "Boston College's Alex Newhook wins Tim Taylor Award". hockeyeastonline.com. April 10, 2020. Retrieved April 10, 2020.
  35. ^ "Colorado Avalanche win first Stanley Cup since 2001 with Game 6 comeback". ESPN. June 26, 2022. Retrieved June 26, 2022.

External links

  • Biographical information and career statistics from NHL.com, or Eliteprospects.com, or Eurohockey.com, or The Internet Hockey Database
Awards and achievements
Preceded by Colorado Avalanche first round draft pick
2019 		Succeeded by
Preceded by Hockey East Rookie of the Year
2019–20 		Succeeded by
Josh Lopina
Nikita Nesterenko
Preceded by Tim Taylor Award
2019–20 		Succeeded by