Canada's Alex Newhook returned to action against Dallas

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The wait is almost over for Alex Newhook. The hardest part was the early part of what he knew would be a long rehabilitation process with the new organization.

“The first two weeks are tough when you realize you're not going to be out that long,” Newhook said Friday after practice at the CN Sports Complex in Brossard. “That's the timeline and there's nothing you can do about it. Even if you're not around the team, it's an opportunity to take a mental break.

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“It's a busy season and a tough schedule. You have time to upgrade. I feel fresh and excited to play.”

While head coach Martin St. Louis has not confirmed anything, Newhook has said he is close, with the 23-year-old center expected to make his long-awaited return to the lineup on Saturday afternoon. (1 p.m., TSN2, RDS, TSN Radio-690, 98.5 FM) when the Canadiens cheered on the Dallas Stars. Montreal hosts the St. Louis Blues the following afternoon.

Samuel Montembo, who had a 36-save performance in the Canadiens' 5-2 win over Washington last Tuesday, is expected to start with a clean sheet. Montembo won the Molson Trophy in January based on the three-star selection. Center Jake Evans (therapy day) did not practice.

Newhook, who was acquired from Colorado State last season for a draft pick and Gianni Fairbrother, sprained his ankle Nov. 30 against Florida. He left after hitting the net in the third period, favoring his left leg, and is expected to miss between 10 and 12 weeks. He had seven goals and 13 points in 23 games at the time of the injury, but had already recorded a pair of two-goal games and had points in four of his last seven contests before being sidelined.

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During Friday's practice, Newhook replaced Tanner Pearson on the Canadiens' first power play unit. Pearson was relegated to the second division.

Canadians loaned forward Lucas Condot to Laval Rocket.

“It feels like more than 10 weeks,” Newhook admitted. “I wouldn't go in. I don't think the training staff let us know where we are and what's at stake. I feel great and it's exciting to be back. It's been a long three months, lots of rehab and waiting to get back to this day. I'm ready to get back into the group and accept being part of the team again.”

When injured, Newhook played on the left wing alongside captain Nick Suzuki and Brendan Gallagher. But Newhook also found himself in the middle at times with different teammates, as St. Louis often experimented early in the season to find winning combinations. Newhook said he is comfortable playing anywhere at forward, but now needs to regain his confidence and find some momentum.

The 5-foot-11, 199-pounder, who was selected 16th overall by the Avalanche in 2019, said: “It's definitely disappointing and a little frustrating. For a few weeks after the event, that game comes back to haunt you,” Newhook said. “Anytime you're sidelined for that long, it's tough mentally to get over it. I had a good training period to get my legs back.”

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The Stars (31-14-6) are first in the Central Division and will be a big challenge.

“They're a veteran team that plays the right way,” Montembo said. “They're really fast and have defensemen who move the puck and skate well. They bring a lot of pucks to the net, so I have to stay focused for 60 minutes.”

It will be Montembo's sixth consecutive start this season as he continues to solidify his position as the Canadiens' first-line netminder in a three-goal system.

“I've been playing a lot lately, a lot of games,” he admitted. “It's exciting to see the management and the coaches believe in me.”

Friday marks two years since St. Louis replaced fired Dominique Ducharme as Canadiens coach.

“It took off,” St. Louis said after practice. “I think time flies when you work hard and have fun.”

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