Alex Newhook returns from injury in PP1…Courtesy of Signals Organization

Kent Hughes' latest prized trade acquisition, Alex Newhook, took the ice Friday morning in preparation for his return to the lineup.

Now, if you're analyzing it clearly, it's encouraging that #15 is ready to make a comeback. But another cause for excitement arose during the Canadians' training in Brossard (QC). Newhook connected on the top of the power play, grabbing Tanner Pearson from the bumper position.

Given what Hughes traded to bring Newhook to the organization, his placement is not surprising. But considering the potential for rust and the time it takes to adjust to the speed of the game. The fact that Marty immediately cast him in an important role.

The decision reflects the confidence Canadians have in the 2019 15th overall pick. This is for a team like the Habs; those who are hungry to offend, he must fan the flames. That injury bug decimated the lineup, but we finally get to see Marty's take on Newhook.

Honestly, I can't think of a better place to use Newhook's speed and power play. His ability to stop and go on a dime should be a welcome addition to the upper division. If he can take the opposing team's attention away from Juraj Slafkowski and Cole Caufield, the team will be better off.

Kirby Dutch and Christian Dvorak are the only Canadiens out injured as Newhook returns to the lineup for a rare start against the Dallas Stars at 1 p.m. This is the healthiest the club has been since the start of the 2023-24 season. Newhook have exactly 32 games to build confidence in preparation for the 2024-25 season.

I've talked at length about the need for the Habs to fill their top six with impact players. While I'm not sure he's a top six player yet, he has a chance to show what he's capable of. The best part of him is Kirby Dach, whose potential center will only enhance and improve or help improve Newhook's production.

I'm excited to see what happens between now and the start of next season, and those feelings have only intensified with the news of Newhook's return. Drop Dach, who is on the right track, to really solidify the middle of the second line. Then add to the mix who Hughes is likely to trade and/or acquire, and the Habs' forward group should have some nice new additions.

One of the draft's top offensive talents is sure to look like a four-man lineup to move the needle. Bandage options just aren't cutting it anymore, and Hughes is fully aware of that. The acquisitions of Dutch and Newhook only reiterated Hughes' vision, and he could still take a step or two.