Alex Newhook didn’t play in major Canadian juniors, which will likely hurt his draft stock. However, Newhook has the tools to be one of the best players from the 2019 NHL Draft.
Alex Newhook is one of the fastest risers in draft rankings for the 2019 NHL Draft. He played this season in the BCHL, which is basically second-tier Canadian juniors. At the age of 17 years old, Newhook led the BCHL in points with 102. Furthermore, he was recently named its MVP for the 2018-19 season.
Newhook passes the eye test with flying colors. He’s legitimately one of the most exciting players in this year’s draft. Newhook has the ability to make plays whenever he’s on the ice. And his speed, much like Jack Hughes, is simply breathtaking.
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Critics will point to the lack of competition in the BCHL, which is a fair point. However, he has stood out whenever he has played on the same ice as such players as Dylan Cozens and Peyton Krebs. Newhook is committed to Boston College next season.
Prospect Profile
Height: 5’11”
Weight: 190 pounds
Teams: Victoria Grizzlies (BCHL)
Country: Canada
Position: Center
Handedness: Left-handed
Date of birth: January 28, 2001
All profile info is courtesy of Elite Prospects.
Strengths
Newhook’s calling card is his skating. He’s probably the second-fastest skater in the 2019 draft, trailing only Jack Hughes. Newhook’s acceleration is top-notch too. He’s an explosive skater who can blow by defenders effortlessly.
But what impresses me the most is how he utilizes his speed. It’s one thing to be a fast skater. Understanding how to use that speed is much more difficult. Newhook gets it. He knows when to turn on the jets and knows where to go. Newhook’s shot release is quick and he’s comfortable shooting at his top skating speed, which is downright frightening.
As you might expect, he excels in transition. Newhook darts through the neutral zone like a finely tuned car. He’s great at setting up chances not just for his teammates, but for himself as well.
I was a little bit concerned about Newhook’s ability to drive a line before this year, but he shut me up. And for good measure, during the under-18 WJC tournament, he drove a line featuring Cozens and Krebs despite playing at wing.
Going to college is ultimately the best thing for him. The relationship between the BCHL and major Canadian juniors is complicated, so moving up is far more difficult than it ought to be. He’ll get to go to a university famous for helping players get the most of their skillset.
Weaknesses
Newhook isn’t a physical player at all. He’s a fierce competitor for sure, and I love that about him. But he’ll have to adjust his game a little bit to optimize his chances of being an impact player in the NHL.
I’m also not 100% sold that he sticks at center. Newhook’s size could be an issue there. But I’m confident he has the skillset to be effective no matter where he plays, whether that be down the middle as a center or as a wing. Newhook’s proven enough.
What They’re Saying
"Newhook was fantastic in the BCHL for the past two seasons, as one of the most dominant Jr. A players of the modern era. He’s one of the most entertaining and dynamic players in the draft. – Corey Pronman from The Athletic"
"But when the opportunity is there to burn wide or use his release at top speed (which he does effortlessly), Newhook will take it. He’s electric and fearless. – Scott Wheeler from The Athletic"
Highlights
Overall Outlook
Newhook has a very high upside. His skating could potentially make him a lethal threat. Newhook will have to work on developing his game for a year or two. But I honestly think he’s going to be one of the 10 best players out of this draft.
It doesn’t matter if Newhook is a center or a wing in the future. He’s got a skill set that should give him a lot of success in the NHL. This season will be especially telling for Newhook, as he’ll be competing regularly against the best his age group has to offer in the NCAA. I think Newhook will dominate.