Avalanche draft BCHL product Alex Newhook 16th overall

The Colorado Avalanche selected forward Alex Newhook with the 16th overall pick of the 2019 NHL Draft.

Alex Newhook

Position: Center
Height: 5-foot-10
Weight: 190 lbs
Age: 18
Club: Victoria Grizzlies (BCHL)
Nationality: Canada

(Stats courtesy: EliteProspects.com)

Newhook is a dynamic player. He has an explosive first step, can really kick it into high gear, and has impressive agility and edge work. He pushes the pace of play every time he has the puck on his stick, and when he doesn't, he battles hard to get it back, despite some physical limitations.

Newhook's second-best trait is easily his shot. He has a quick release and it's hard and accurate. He can get it off from anywhere and isn't afraid to use it. He also possesses soft hands and has creative instincts. He's great at making plays and scoring off the rush, but can also find creases in the defense during a cycle to set up for a shot.

Ranked as the 13th-best North American skater by NHL Central Scouting, Newhook might be best suited as a winger in the NHL.

What they're saying

In an exercise with The Athletic's Craig Custance, an NHL amateur scout was asked to provide player comparisons for each draft prospect. For Newhook, the scout decided on Columbus Blue Jackets winger Cam Atkinson.

"He’s an interesting one because he’s in the middle of the ice and can shoot and score. He’s a good player. He’s his own player. I think he can score like Atkinson. He has that quick release. He can get himself in and out of traffic to score goals and can shoot the puck."

Highlights