Latest news: Eric Engels believes Alex Newhook will be the new linemate of Nick Suzuki and Cole Caufield

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Elias Edmonson
October 3, 2023 (8:20 PM)

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Since the beginning of training camp, the head coach of the Montreal Canadiens has been experimenting extensively to find the perfect combination to complement the duo of Nick Suzuki and Cole Caufield. Indeed, Alex Newhook, Sean Monahan, and Josh Anderson have all played a game alongside the two star players of the Canadiens.

With just one preseason game left before the start of the regular season, Martin St-Louis will have to officially make a decision regarding the lineup he wishes to use in the first game of the year against the Toronto Maple Leafs on October 11th.

While on The Sick Podcast With Tony Marinaro, the reporter dedicated to the Habs activities at Sportsnet, Eric Engels, believes he has identified the player who will start the year on the first line. According to him, it's the newcomer, Alex Newhook, who will have the opportunity to complete the dynamic duo.

"Honestly, I think Alex Newhook is going to start the season with Cole Caufield and Nick Suzuki. Sean Monahan is so good at center, and as a third-line center who, at five-on-five, will play a bit less so he can be preserved a bit more. He'll take the key face-offs and relieve Suzuki and Dach. For me, this guy has to be at center, and from what we've seen of Newhook with Caufield and Suzuki, the skill level of the three is really high." - Eric Engels

We tend to agree with his analysis!

Personally, as long as Christian Dvorak is injured, the contribution of Sean Monahan at center is too vital for him to play on the wing. Obviously, the situation could quickly change when the 27-year-old forward returns, who is already labeled as a third-line center.

Moreover, a line consisting of Cole Caufield, Nick Suzuki, and Alex Newhook could be extremely dangerous in enemy territory. Newhook's speed, combined with Suzuki's game vision and Caufield's devastating shot, could give Martin St-Louis a winning combination for his first line.

One thing's for sure, we should get a definitive answer Saturday night as the Canadiens are expected to line up a full roster in preparation for the inaugural game against the Leafs.

Do you think Alex Newhook is the best option for the first line?

POLL
Do you believe that Alex Newhook is the best option to complete the line with Nick Suzuki and Cole Caufield?
Yes	38	56.7 %
No, it will be Monahan	10	14.9 %
No, it will be Anderson	11	16.4 %
No, it will be Dach	8	11.9 %
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