The Montreal Canadiens wrap up their contract business by securing Alex Newhook and adding defenseman Arber Xhekaj to their roster.
Alex Newhook, who demonstrated his skills with 13 goals and 25 points in 42 games last season despite an ankle injury that required surgery, has inked a significant four-year extension worth $22.2 million. The 25-year-old forward made a remarkable playoff impact, contributing 10 points in 19 games, including pivotal goals in two Game 7s.
Newhook joins a promising group of young forwards in the Canadiens lineup, including Nick Suzuki, Cole Caufield, Juraj Slafkovsky, and Ivan Demidov. With this extension, the team ensures stability with all five forwards committed at least until 2030.
On the defensive end, Montreal has signed Arber Xhekaj to a one-year contract valued at $1.5 million. The 25-year-old defenseman, who played 65 games last season and contributed offensively in the playoffs, adds depth to the team’s backline.
Keyphrase: Montreal Canadiens contracts
