Alex Newhook has never collected more than 33 points in a season in the National Hockey League, but it is in Montreal that he will explode, predicts one of his former coaches.
A guest on Tony Marinaro’s podcast on Wednesday night, Jerry York led Newhook for two years with Boston College in the NCAA. He believes that the 22-year-old forward will become an impact player in the center for the Montreal Canadiens, starting next year.
“A 60-point production in the center of the second line is certainly possible in the next two years,” he said. I think a lot of people will be surprised, but it’s going to happen.”
In Newhook, the Canadians add another small forward to a group already made up of Cole Caufield and Nick Suzuki. However, his size is not representative of his physical involvement on the ice.
“He’s 5-foot-11, maybe 5-foot-10-and-a-half if you want to be more specific, but he’s really well built,” York said. On his skates, he is strong as an ox.”
Above all else, Newhook’s trademark remains its speed.
“He is an exceptional skater. Even among National League players, I would say his skating is elite,” York said.
And while he sees Newhook as a center player with good vision who can create plays, the hockey man believes the young forward will stand out by scoring plenty of goals.
“He has the chance to become a scorer,” he said. He rushes to the net with conviction, without the slightest fear. […] He can also do a lot of forecheck damage. [avec sa vitesse et cette mentalité].”