Player Profile
BIRTHDAY: January 28, 2001
HOMETOWN: St. John's, NL, CAN
POSITION: Center
SHOOTS: L
DRAFT: 2019, COL (16th overall)
The Journey from St. John's
Alex Newhook was born and raised in St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador. In a province where hockey is a way of life, Alex proved early on that he possessed a unique, high-octane motor. His dominance began at home with the St. John's Hitmen U15 AAA, where he recorded an astonishing 48 points in just 28 games.
By the age of 14, it became clear that for Alex to reach his full potential, he needed to seek higher competition. He made the major life decision to relocate to Ontario, joining the York Simcoe Express program. His talent was undeniable; during the 2016-17 season with the U16 AAA squad, he put up 74 points in 33 games. He then attended St. Andrew's College and had a brief but impactful stint with the Aurora Tigers of the OJHL.
Dominance in Victoria
Alex joined the Victoria Grizzlies for the 2017–18 season and quickly became a household name in Junior A hockey. As a rookie, he was the BCHL's third-leading scorer and won the Bruce Allison Memorial Trophy for Rookie of the Year. He was also named the CJHL Top Rookie.
The following year, Alex was named Captain of the Grizzlies. He capped off his Junior career by becoming the league's top point producer, scoring 102 points (38G, 64A) in 53 games. For his efforts, he earned the Brett Hull Trophy and was named the BCHL Most Valuable Player (Vern Dye Memorial Trophy).
16th Overall: History Made
In June 2019, Alex was selected by the Colorado Avalanche with the No. 16 pick. This marked a historic moment for the province of Newfoundland, as Alex became the first player from the island chosen in the first round since Daniel Cleary went No. 13 to the Chicago Blackhawks in 1997.
Collegiate Success (NCAA)
Newhook transitioned to the college game with ease at Boston College. In his freshman season (2019-20), he led all NCAA rookies in goals (19) and led the Eagles in overall scoring with 42 points in 34 games. He was a sensation in the Hockey East conference, winning both the National Rookie of the Year (Tim Taylor Award) and the Hockey East Rookie of the Year award. He also secured spots on the Hockey East All-Rookie Team and the Second All-Star Team.
Despite missing the first half of his sophomore season due to COVID-19 quarantine protocols, he managed 16 points in 12 games before making the leap to professional hockey in March 2021.
World Junior Pride
Representing Canada starting at the U17 level, Newhook made several key appearances for the national team program throughout his junior career. He was named one of the top 3 players on Team Canada during the 2018-19 U18 WJC. However, his most iconic moment came at the 2021 World Junior Championships in Edmonton. Despite intense pre-tournament restrictions, he contributed 6 points (3G, 3A) in 6 games to lead Canada to a Silver Medal. Most famously, he scored the winning goal in the semi-final against Russia just 59 seconds into the game.
The Road to the Canadiens
After signing a 3-year entry-level contract with Colorado, Alex made his NHL debut against the San Jose Sharks on May 5, 2021. He secured his first career point against the Los Angeles Kings just two nights later. Proving his mettle on the biggest stage, he scored his first NHL goal in Game 3 of the 2021 Playoffs against the St. Louis Blues.
Following his 2022 Stanley Cup victory, Alex's journey took him to the legendary Montreal Canadiens. On June 27, 2023, he was acquired in a major trade that signaled Montreal’s belief in his high-speed, offensively driven playing style. Since joining the Habs, he has established himself as a dangerous playmaker and a vital member of the team's promising young core.
Notes & Transactions
Draft Day
Selected 16th overall by Colorado Avalanche in 2019. (1st Newfoundlander in 1st round in 22 years).
College Awards
Hockey East All-Rookie Team (2020), Hockey East Second All-Star Team (2020), USCHO Second Team.
Contract Status
Signed a 4-year, $11.6 million contract extension with Montreal on July 11, 2023.
The Move East
Traded to Montreal from Colorado for Gianni Fairbrother and 1st & 2nd round picks in the 2023 NHL Draft on June 27, 2023.
Scouting Report
"Newhook’s footwork, agility and heel-to-heel skating are high, high-end. He handles the puck with finesse and excels when leading a rush. Explosive forward... quick release... dangerous every shift."