Alex Newhook Bio
Alexander Newhook is a Canadian professional ice hockey player who plays the centre position for the Montreal Canadiens of the National Hockey League (NHL). Born on January 28, 2001, in St. John’s, Newfoundland, he was selected in the first round, 16th overall, by the Colorado Avalanche in the 2019 NHL entry draft. Newhook won the Stanley Cup with the Avalanche in 2022, becoming the third player from Newfoundland and Labrador to claim the championship, following Daniel Cleary in 2008 and Michael Ryder in 2011.
Known for his two-way play, skating ability, and offensive instincts, Newhook has built a reputation as a versatile forward capable of playing both centre and wing. After developing through junior, collegiate, and minor professional ranks, he transitioned to a full-time NHL role with the Avalanche before being traded to the Montreal Canadiens in 2023.
Early Life and Background
Alexander Newhook was born to parents Shawn and Paula in St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador, and began skating at the age of four. Growing up in a province with deep hockey roots, he developed an early love for the game and looked up to fellow Newfoundlander Daniel Cleary, a Stanley Cup champion, as a childhood idol.
As a youth, Newhook left Newfoundland to attend St. Andrew’s College, a boarding school located in Aurora, Ontario, where he balanced academics with high-level hockey. During his time at St. Andrew’s, he also played the trombone and won a national band competition in his tenth-grade year. He then joined the York Simcoe Express of the Eastern AAA Hockey League, where he served as team captain and was named U16 AAA Player of the Year across the Ontario Minor Hockey Association in 2017.
Path to Hockey
Newhook joined the Victoria Grizzlies of the British Columbia Hockey League (BCHL) for the 2017–18 season, finishing second in team scoring with 66 points in 45 games. He also recorded nine points through 12 postseason games and was named team captain. Early in the 2018–19 season, he signed his Letter of Intent to attend Boston College of the National Collegiate Athletic Association beginning in 2019–20.
After leading all BCHL skaters in scoring during his final junior season, he earned the Vern Dye Memorial Award as the league’s most valuable player and was recognized as the MVP across the Canadian Junior Hockey League. Following the season, the Colorado Avalanche selected him 16th overall in the 2019 NHL entry draft. Internationally, he represented Hockey Canada at the 2017 World U-17 Hockey Challenge, the 2018 World Junior A Challenge, and the 2019 IIHF World U18 Championships, where he shared Canada’s scoring lead with 10 points.
Alex Newhook Career
Early Career (2019–2021)
Newhook had an impressive freshman campaign with the Boston College Eagles, posting 19 goals and 23 assists for 42 points in 34 games. He led all Hockey East freshmen in points and goals, led all NCAA freshmen in goals, and tied for seventh in scoring among all NCAA skaters. For his efforts, he was named the recipient of the Tim Taylor Award, becoming the first Boston College player to earn the honor, and was also named Hockey East Rookie of the Year and a Hockey East Second Team All-Star.
During the 2020–21 season, Newhook missed the start of his sophomore year while participating in the 2021 World Juniors tournament, where he helped Canada capture a silver medal. After returning to campus, he suffered an injury in his season debut and was limited to 12 games, posting seven goals and 16 points. On March 31, 2021, he ended his collegiate career by agreeing to a three-year, entry-level contract with the Colorado Avalanche and was assigned to the American Hockey League’s Colorado Eagles.
NHL Breakthrough (2021–2022)
After producing five goals and nine points through eight AHL games, Newhook was called up to the Avalanche’s taxi squad on May 2, 2021, and made his NHL debut three days later in a 3–2 loss to the San Jose Sharks. He scored his first NHL goal during Game 3 of the opening-round playoff series against the St. Louis Blues on May 21, 2021, skating in eight total playoff games before Colorado was eliminated in the second round by the Vegas Golden Knights.
After being reassigned to the AHL for ten games to build confidence with the puck, Newhook returned to the NHL and registered 33 points over the remainder of the 2021–22 regular season. He played the entirety of the Western Conference Final against the Edmonton Oilers and the Stanley Cup Finals over the Tampa Bay Lightning, contributing four assists in 12 playoff games. With the championship victory, he became the third player from Newfoundland and Labrador to win the Stanley Cup.
Montreal Canadiens Era (2023–Present)
Following the 2022–23 season, in which he finished with 14 goals and 16 assists in 82 games but struggled to claim a full-time centre role after the departure of Nazem Kadri, Newhook was traded to the Montreal Canadiens on June 27, 2023, in exchange for a first-round pick, a second-round pick, and prospect Gianni Fairbrother. The trade reunited him with his former agent, Kent Hughes, who was serving as the Canadiens’ general manager. On July 11, 2023, he signed a four-year, $11.6 million contract extension.
Newhook scored two goals in his Canadiens debut on October 11, 2023, and was initially placed on the team’s second line. After a high ankle sprain on November 30, 2023, he missed 27 games before returning on February 10, 2024. He recorded his 200th career NHL game on March 19, 2024, and his 100th career NHL point on April 16, 2024, against the Detroit Red Wings.
Playing Style and Strengths
Newhook is recognized for his smooth skating, hockey sense, and ability to play both centre and wing effectively. His two-way game and speed allow him to contribute in all three zones, while his offensive creativity and quick decision-making make him a reliable secondary scorer. Coaches have valued his versatility and willingness to adjust to different roles within the lineup.
Notable Events and Milestones
Among his career milestones, Newhook scored his first NHL playoff goal in 2021, won the Stanley Cup in 2022, reached his 100th career NHL game in December 2022, and notched his 100th career NHL point in April 2024. His trade to the Canadiens in 2023 marked a significant turning point in his professional journey.
Alex Newhook Career Wins
Alex Newhook’s most celebrated achievement came in 2022 when he won the Stanley Cup with the Colorado Avalanche. His career also features individual junior and collegiate honors, including the BCHL’s Vern Dye Memorial Award, the Canadian Junior Hockey League MVP award, the Tim Taylor Award, and Hockey East Rookie of the Year.
Stanley Cup Highlights
Newhook played an integral role in the Avalanche’s 2022 Stanley Cup run, contributing four assists across 12 postseason games. He participated in both the Western Conference Final and the Stanley Cup Finals, skating alongside some of the league’s top players during Colorado’s championship run.
Other Wins and Performances
Beyond the NHL, Newhook won a bronze medal with Team Canada West at the 2018 World Junior A Challenge and captured a silver medal with Canada at the 2021 World Junior Championships. He also earned recognition as the U16 AAA Player of the Year in Ontario in 2017.
Alex Newhook Family
Family Background and Hockey Lineage
Newhook was raised by his parents, Shawn and Paula, in St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador, where hockey is a central part of community life. His Newfoundlander roots played a major role in shaping his hockey identity, with Daniel Cleary serving as a childhood idol and inspiration for his career path.
Personal Life
Newhook’s younger sister, Abby, is also a hockey player. She played at Tabor Academy and for the Bay State Breakers before following her brother to Boston College. In an NHL questionnaire, Newhook shared that not many people know his sister is a better hockey player than he is. He remains connected to his family and Newfoundland roots, crediting them as a major influence on his development and career.
2025 Season Performance
The early stages of the 2025–26 season saw Newhook collect 12 points, including six goals and six assists, through 17 games, continuing to play a meaningful role for the Montreal Canadiens. His offensive production and two-way reliability reinforced his value to head coach Martin St. Louis’s system.
On November 13, 2025, Newhook suffered a fractured ankle after hitting the boards feet-first during a matchup against the Dallas Stars. He underwent surgery to repair the injury and was expected to miss approximately four months of action, putting the remainder of his season in question.
Despite the setback, Newhook’s strong start to the season suggested continued growth within the Canadiens’ lineup, and his recovery will be closely monitored as the team navigates the middle portion of its campaign.