The Canadiens Could Be Unlocking Something Special With This Former Avalanche Pick

Alex Newhook is beginning to find his offensive rhythm in Montreal, and Thursday night offered another glimpse of what the former Colorado Avalanche first-round pick can bring.

The Canadiens forward scored twice in a 5-2 win over the Dallas Stars, continuing a productive start to the season as he looks to build on last year's encouraging postseason.

Newhook opened the scoring late in the first period with an impressive individual effort. After taking a long stretch pass from Noah Dobson, he carried the puck into the Dallas zone, worked his way around defenseman Thomas Harley and beat Jake Oettinger with a backhand shot. Just 27 seconds later, Cole Caufield scored to put Montreal up 3-1.

Newhook added his second goal early in the second period, taking advantage of a fortunate bounce that left the puck sitting beside the Dallas net. It marked the ninth multi-goal game of his NHL career and capped a productive night for the Canadiens forward, who has quietly put together a solid start to the season.

Injuries made it difficult for Newhook to build any momentum last year. He played just 42 games, missing 40, but still finished with 13 goals and 12 assists for 25 points. He nearly matched his total from the 2023-24 season, when he recorded 26 points in 82 games.

His scoring rate last season suggested there was room for more. Had he stayed healthy, Newhook could have been in line for the best offensive season of his career. Instead, he had to settle for a shortened campaign before making up some ground in the playoffs.

Newhook was particularly productive during Montreal's postseason run, scoring seven goals and adding three assists in 19 games. Those 10 points marked the best playoff production of his NHL career. He also has a Stanley Cup on his résumé, having won with Colorado in 2022, although his role with the Avalanche was much smaller at the time. He recorded four assists in 12 games during that championship run.

Now in his fourth season with Montreal, Newhook is starting to put together some encouraging offensive numbers. Through 13 games, he has three goals and three assists for six points. That's a pace of 19 goals and 19 assists over an 84-game season, which would put him on track for 38 points.

There's still a long way to go, but Newhook has given Montreal some production to work with early in the season. Staying healthy will be a big part of what comes next. If he can manage that, there's a chance he finally puts together the kind of full season that has been difficult to come by in his young NHL career.