Young forward Alex Newhook experienced one of the most humiliating moments of his career Wednesday morning during the Montreal Canadiens’ morning practice.
In front of his teammates and the journalists present, the 23-year-old Newfoundlander offered a performance which symbolized his chaotic start to the season.
During a simple exercise where players had to catch a backhand pass before going for goal, Newhook completely failed.
Four missed attempts in a row, followed by an awkward fall on his fifth try, left his teammates perplexed and observers uncomfortable.
TVA Sports journalist Anthony Martineau reported this episode with brutal sincerity:
“It was sad to see, honestly. You can’t question Alex Newhook’s effort, but clearly, mentally, right now, it’s difficult. »
After this laborious training, Newhook tried to minimize the situation when questioned by Martineau in the locker room.
“My production could be higher, but my game is not bad. It’s frustrating not to produce as I would like, but we have to continue working”he declared, visibly affected.
With just four goals and no assists in 19 games, Newhook is far from living up to the expectations placed on him when he was acquired by Kent Hughes in exchange for a first and second round draft pick.
Head coach Martin St-Louis, while supporting his player, did not hide the shortcomings in Newhook’s game. He pointed out that his effectiveness is often limited to his speed in transition, but his impact in key areas is insufficient.
“His speed is dangerous between our blue line and the top of the circles, but in the offensive zone, too often, it’s ‘one and done.’ He must learn to win battles and extend our time in the opposing zone. »
Newhook, himself, recognized the need to be more combative near the net:
“I have to get closer to the net and be a little hungrier when I’m fighting for certain pucks. »
This embarrassing episode only amplifies the criticism surrounding Kent Hughes’ decision to sacrifice valuable picks to acquire Newhook. To date, this transaction looks more like a lost bet than a masterstroke.
On social networks, fans did not hold back:
“Hughes was fooled, clearly. We sacrificed a first round pick and an early 2nd round pick for a player who isn’t even top 9.”
“Newhook is Colorado’s poisoned chalice. They must still be laughing. »
“We traded a future prospect for a guy who misses passes in practice. Well done Kent Hughes. »
This incident not only highlights Newhook’s individual challenges, but also illustrates the general malaise on the 2nd floor.
As Kent Hughes watches from the stands, he is the player who suffers the shame on the ice, exposing not only his own limitations, but also those of a management that appears to have bet on the wrong horse.
If Newhook doesn’t quickly find a way to bounce back, this transaction could well become one of Hughes’ biggest missteps at the helm of the Canadiens.
As for Wednesday’s training, it will remain as a cruel reminder that, in the NHL, raw talent is not always enough to win.
Alex Newhook was, is and never will be a premier NHL forward. Colorado knew it.
Strange that his former agent didn’t know. Is Kent Hughes too emotional in his decisions?
To ask the question is to answer it.
