Story Summary
Alex Newhook agreed to a four-year, $22.2 million contract with the Montreal Canadiens, carrying an average annual value of $5.55 million. The deal will begin next season. Newhook, 25, is entering the final year of a previous four-year, $11.6 million contract signed on July 11, 2023. Last season he recorded 25 points (13 goals, 12 assists) in 42 regular-season games and added 10 points (seven goals, three assists) in 19 Stanley Cup Playoff games. The Canadiens also signed defenceman Arber Xhekaj to a one-year, $1.5 million contract; Xhekaj, 25, had four points (one goal, three assists) and led Montreal with 178 hits in 65 regular-season games last season.
Key Facts
- Alex Newhook signed a four-year contract with the Montreal Canadiens worth $22.2 million total, with an average annual value of $5.55 million.
- The Newhook contract will begin next season.
- Newhook, 25, is entering the final season of a four-year, $11.6 million contract ($2.9 million AAV) he signed on July 11, 2023.
- Last season Newhook had 25 points (13 goals, 12 assists) in 42 regular-season games and 10 points (seven goals, three assists) in 19 playoff games.
- Since being acquired from the Colorado Avalanche on June 27, 2023, Newhook has 85 points (43 goals, 42 assists) in 179 games over three seasons with Montreal.
- Selected by the Colorado Avalanche in the first round (No. 16) of the 2019 NHL Draft, Newhook has 151 career points (70 goals, 81 assists) in 338 regular-season games, and 19 points (nine goals, 10 assists) in 51 playoff games. He won the Stanley Cup with Colorado in 2022.
- Arber Xhekaj signed a one-year, $1.5 million contract with Montreal.
- Xhekaj, 25, had four points (one goal, three assists) and led the Canadiens with 178 hits in 65 regular-season games last season; he had two points (one goal, one assist) in 13 playoff games.
- Signed by Montreal as an undrafted free agent on October 4, 2021, Xhekaj has 33 points (10 goals, 23 assists) in 230 regular-season games with the Canadiens and has led the team with 642 hits since his debut in 2022-23.
IHM Discussion
Montreal has made a four-year commitment to Newhook, whose new $5.55 million AAV follows a previous $2.9 million cap hit. He produced 25 points in 42 regular-season games last season and added 10 points in 19 playoff games, while his three seasons with the Canadiens have yielded 85 points in 179 games. The deal provides continuity beyond the final season of his current contract.
Why It Matters
The four-year agreement gives Montreal contractual certainty with Newhook beyond next season. Xhekaj’s one-year deal also retains a defenceman who led the Canadiens with 178 hits in 65 regular-season games last season.
IHM Market Outlook
Newhook’s AAV rises to $5.55 million from $2.9 million on his previous contract, adding a four-year commitment to Montreal’s future salary structure. Xhekaj’s one-year, $1.5 million agreement gives the Canadiens short-term flexibility.
Mini Q&A
What are the terms of Alex Newhook’s new contract?
Newhook signed a four-year deal worth $22.2 million total, with an average annual value of $5.55 million.
When does Newhook’s contract take effect?
The contract will begin next season.
How did Newhook perform last season?
He had 25 points in 42 regular-season games (13 goals, 12 assists) and added 10 points in 19 playoff games (seven goals, three assists).
What did the Canadiens do with Arber Xhekaj?
Montreal signed Arber Xhekaj to a one-year, $1.5 million contract.
What are Xhekaj’s recent contributions?
Last season Xhekaj had four points (one goal, three assists) in 65 regular-season games and led the team with 178 hits; he also had two points in 13 playoff games.
Coach Mark Comment
The contracts provide Montreal with continuity at forward in Newhook and on defence in Xhekaj. Newhook’s recent regular-season and playoff production gives the coaching staff a proven contributor to work with, while Xhekaj’s team-leading hit total underlines the physical element he brings.
What Comes Next
The Newhook contract is scheduled to begin next season, which will be the first campaign covered by the new four-year deal.
IHM Final View
Newhook’s four-year agreement is the headline move, following a season in which he contributed in both the regular season and the playoffs. Xhekaj’s one-year contract retains a defenceman who has been a major physical presence for Montreal, while preserving flexibility beyond next season.