Armed with his new four-year contract with the Canadian, however, Alex Newhook did not appear to be a player who had reached the end of his game when he made his first media splash around the Canadian. “I think I can give a lot more than I’ve shown in recent years,” said the striker.
Newhook doesn’t hide the fact that he was moved by the transaction that sent him from the Avalanche to the Canadiens in the draft.
Finally, the 22-year-old forward leaves a team that justifiably strives for the highest honors to join a team still at the heart of a recovery plan.
However, in the video conference organized by the Canadian, the young man did not seem uneasy from this new challenge that was facing him.
“It was an emotional day for me as the trading took place. The Avalanche is the team that picked me and I was close to several players there after winning the Stanley Cup.
“At the same time, it’s exciting to join a younger team that gives me better opportunities than the ones I had in Colorado. It’s exciting to find myself in such a good city, close to home and in such a market,” commented the Newfoundland player.
Ready to hop
Since being picked 16th overall at the 2019 auction, Newhook hasn’t exactly stirred the league with tallys of 33 and 30 points in his two full seasons in Colorado.
However, not all players take the same amount of time to hatch, as General Manager Kent Hughes carefully pointed out when taking over Newhook. He specifically cited Chandler Stephenson, who came out of his shell after moving from the Capitals to the Golden Knights.
“I hadn’t heard that before, but it makes a lot of sense,” Newhook responded to the subject.
“I think he does [Kent Hughes] believes I was underutilized or not getting all the opportunities I deserved.”
The question that kills
Several of the questions for Newhook related to his disappointing offensive performance so far. It remains to be seen if this situation is related to not getting a real chance to explode with the Avalanche, or if the team instead threw in the towel because he didn’t know how to take his chance.
“I wanted to do a lot more last season. I don’t think I’ve reached the goals or potential I have. There were a few injuries, but I don’t want to use that as an excuse. “For all sorts of reasons, I didn’t have the season I was hoping for, but I’m happy to start again,” Newhook said at first.
time of the falling ice
During the last regular season, Newhook got good minutes, but starting in March, his playing time decreased drastically. In the last 24 games, he has not broken the 12-minute mark 13 times.
In seven playoff games against the Kraken, he averaged just 9:15.
“I wanted to play more in the playoffs and contribute more when the stakes get higher. It’s hard when you’re playing six or seven minutes every night. I am competitive and I want to have confidence in these situations. This is one site that has been frustrating for me.
“There’s a little bit of my game in all of this, but we also added players at the close of trade that pushed me further down the roster.” I still think I would have been better off with the chances that were presented to me can do. “I won’t blame the others,” summed up the man who will wear number 15 in Montreal.
Nice security
As he awaits his place in the attacking hierarchy, the Newfoundland player is delighted with his new deal with the Canadian, which will net him 2.9 million a year.
“We’ve been talking for a week and a half. I am very happy with the contract. Knowing that I will be staying here for at least four years is very exciting. It’s good to have some security. It will give me time to grow and be comfortable.”
I can’t wait to play for Martin St-Louis
Several young players have spoken of their joy at playing under Martin St-Louis in recent months. Alex Newhook says he’s looking forward to being added to this list.
The Canadian sacrificed his 31st and 37th picks to push the Avalanche forward and it’s a safe bet that in an environment where the pressure on the team to perform is not yet great, Newhook will have every opportunity to be exploit full potential.
At the moment, the newcomer said he was very encouraged after his first conversation with his coach.
“I spoke a little with Martin and it was a good conversation. Everyone seems to like him and you can see what he can achieve with young players. He seems to let play freely. It’s very exciting for me and I can’t wait to play for him,” he said enthusiastically.
“It feels good when a coach tells you they want you to play your game and not be afraid of making mistakes. It’s different when you’re part of a team at the top of your division that’s fighting to win the conference every year. “Confidence is an important element,” added the one, who says he’s ready to develop both as a winger and as a center, although he’s more comfortable at center.
“It’s not a problem,” he said carefully.
speed
On a few occasions, Newhook has indicated that he feels his style goes well with that represented by St-Louis and the Canadiens.
“I can give a lot of pace to this team, which, like me, like to play on the counterattack. We’re a young team and although I’m a young player myself, I have Stanley Cup experience. I want to take advantage of this new opportunity right from the start. I want to help the team achieve their goals in the years to come,” he said.
AFP
familiar faces
When he lands in Montreal in late August after sorting out his move, Newhook won’t be breaking entirely new ground.
Over time, he developed a good relationship with Kent Hughes, who worked for the agency representing him.
A few players will also help him acclimate, including Justin Barron, a former Avalanche, as well as Kaiden Guhle and Kirby Dach, with whom he represented Canada in international competitions. He also met Cole Caufield through friends.
“All the guys told me they liked Montreal and that I would fit in well with the group. It should be fun.”