Alex Newhook is going through a dark period, and with the imminent return of Patrik Laine to the Canadiens’ lineup, the ax seems ready to fall.
Since his arrival in Montreal, Newhook has never really been able to impose his style, nor find a real identity within the group.
And as the failures pile up, the pressure becomes unbearable.
Despite golden opportunities, whether on the first wave of the power play or on the first line alongside Nick Suzuki and Cole Caufield, Newhook simply did not deliver the goods.
With only 5 points in 23 games this season, his performance is clearly insufficient for a player who plays in such important roles.
The statistics don’t lie: his offensive impact is almost non-existent, and his influence on the ice is so discreet that it becomes difficult to justify his place on the first line.
During the post-game against the Rangers, Newhook tried to find some positives despite the obvious frustration.
“It’s a team effort, and we showed character by coming back,” he declared.
But it is clear that his own game does not allow him to stand out in this collective.
When asked what he could improve, he added: “I have to continue to work on the little details, be more consistent and find ways to contribute offensively. »
The problem is that these words, although encouraging, are no longer enough.
Newhook has been in Montreal long enough that the expectations for him are clear. It’s not just about the little details, but about a chronic failure to seize the opportunities offered.
During the match against the Rangers, Newhook was unable to take advantage of his place alongside Suzuki and Caufield to make a difference.
And with Laine’s return on the horizon, it’s becoming increasingly clear that Newhook could lose his spot.
If Laine settles on the top line, as seems logical, Newhook could well be relegated to a supporting role, or even be pushed aside to let the team move forward without him.
What’s concerning isn’t just the lack of results, but Newhook’s inability to clearly define what he can offer this team.
He is neither an elite passer, nor a natural scorer, nor an energy player capable of changing the pace of a game.
He’s stuck in a sort of gray area where it’s increasingly difficult for Martin St-Louis to trust him.
Laine’s return further complicates the situation.
The Finnish forward, known for his devastating shot and ability to change the flow of a game, is exactly the type of player the Canadians are hoping to complement Suzuki and Caufield.
“I’m trying to take things one game at a time,” Newhook also mentioned, showing a willingness to not give up.
But in a team like the Canadian, where each player is scrutinized, that might not be enough.
Montreal is a demanding market, where players who do not meet expectations face serious consequences.
If his play doesn’t improve quickly, it will be difficult to justify his spot in the lineup, especially with options like Emil Heineman or Joshua Roy waiting for their chance.
The message is clear for Newhook: there is no longer any margin for error.
With Laine’s return, every minute of ice becomes a question of survival.
If he does not react now, the price to pay will be heavy.
And in a team in reconstruction, where each player must prove their value, Newhook is more than ever in the hot seat.
For now, the opportunities he has received seem to be slipping through his fingers, and others are ready to take his place.
To be continued…
