The Montreal Canadiens have suffered a significant setback to their lineup, with forward Alex Newhook expected to be sidelined for an extended period due to a serious injury.
Game Incident Leads to Serious Injury
The injury occurred during the second period of an NHL game on Thursday, November 13, 2025, at the Canadiens' home arena in Montreal. While battling for the puck near the boards against Dallas Stars defenseman Ilya Lyubushkin, Newhook collided feet-first with the barrier. The awkward impact resulted in an immediate and severe injury.
The team confirmed the following day, on Friday, November 14, 2025, that Newhook had sustained a broken ankle. Medical evaluation determined that the recovery timeline is set at approximately four months, a major blow for both the player and the organization mid-season.
Impact on the Canadiens' Roster
Losing a player of Newhook's calibre for such a long duration forces a significant reshuffling of the team's strategy. As a key forward, his absence creates a substantial gap in the top offensive lines. The coaching staff will now need to look to other players to step up and fill the void in scoring and on-ice presence.
This long-term injury is a tough development for the Montreal Canadiens as they navigate the competitive NHL schedule. The team will have to rely on its depth and potentially recall players from its minor league affiliate to manage the loss effectively over the coming months.
Recovery and Return Timeline
With a projected four-month recovery, Newhook's season is not necessarily over, but his return would be slated for the latter part of the schedule, around March 2026. A broken ankle is a complex injury for an athlete whose game relies on speed, agility, and powerful skating.
The focus for the 24-year-old forward will now shift entirely to rehabilitation and working with the team's medical staff to ensure a full and complete recovery before he makes his return to the ice for the Montreal Canadiens.
