Since Sean Monahan's departure, all eyes are on 23-year-old forward Alex Newhook, who is expected to take on significantly more responsibility than at the beginning of the season. The former Colorado Avalanche player will likely lead the second line and is expected to be inserted into the first power play unit.
Newhook, wearing number 15 for the Canadiens, participated in his second full practice today, despite initial medical predictions suggesting a return to play by the end of February. With his official return to the ice alongside his teammates, many hoped he could rejoin Martin St-Louis's lineup for the game against the Washington Capitals tomorrow night.
However, Anthony Martineau recently confirmed that the Newfoundland native has not yet received medical clearance, ruling out the possibility of him dressing against Alex Ovechkin's team.
Fans will need to remain patient before seeing Alex Newhook back in the Bleu-Blanc-Rouge uniform. It's suspected that the forward will be ready to return during the afternoon games this weekend, either against the Dallas Stars on Saturday or the St. Louis Blues on Sunday.
Despite a challenging start to the season with only seven points in 16 games, Newhook had improved with six points in his last seven matches. He will undoubtedly receive more significant opportunities towards the year's end, which could be very beneficial for his development.
Regarding his potential to become a top-6 forward in the NHL, Newhook's recent performance and expected increase in responsibilities suggest that he has the potential to grow into such a role. His skill set and the opportunity for more significant ice time, especially in critical situations like the power play, will be crucial for his development and impact in the league.
