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Yes, Alex Newhook would make the veteran line-up even more productive
Pablo Herrera-Vergara
Yes, Alex Newhook would make the veteran line-up even more productive
Credit: Getty Images

Kent Hughes has his work cut out for him before next season. He’ll have to look for a second center forward and maybe even another defenseman. Christian Dvorak is another player who needs to be dealt with.

He did the Habs proud in the final stretch of last season. Not only did he pilot the team’s most consistent 200-foot line at 5-on-5, but he brought unexpected production with Josh Anderson and Brendan Gallagher.

The problem is, the Habs have signed Jake Evans and Alex Newhook is expected to pilot a third line this year, having had to take on the role of second center with the loss of Kirby Dach.

Eric Engels discussed the situation with Tony Marinaro on his podcast, The Sick Podcast. He believes that adding Newhook to Gallagher and Anderson could make the line more productive.

He’s absolutely right. Newhook doesn’t have what it takes to play on a second line, but on a third line, we could see the best version of himself offensively, and he could help his two wingers.

The problem is that Anderson and Gallagher have a more defensive vocation under Martin St-Louis, and they do it wonderfully. With this in mind, Dvorak would be the ideal center, as he can help extinguish an opposing line.

The decision won’t be as simple as it might appear from the outside. Inserting Newhook in the middle of the other two veterans could provide some offensive punch, but at what cost?

The other option, and the one I prefer, would be to ask Jake Evans to take on a more offensive role with Newhook on his wing. Kirby Dach could be the option on the right, especially to start the year.


Overtime

– Lions advance to next round.

– Beautiful goal!

– An often overlooked prospect.

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