The Montreal Canadiens have made it clear this season: the rebuild is no longer just a blueprint-it’s starting to take real shape. The young core is stepping up, the team’s playing competitive hockey most nights, and there’s a growing sense that the foundation is solid.
But even with all the progress, one major piece is still missing: a permanent, high-end winger to ride shotgun with Nick Suzuki and Cole Caufield on the top line. And if GM Kent Hughes is prioritizing long-term success, that search should be front and center.
The First Line Puzzle
The top line dynamic has quietly shifted in recent weeks. When Juraj Slafkovský was moved off that unit and slotted alongside Oliver Kapanen and Ivan Demidov, the chemistry was instant.
That trio has found a rhythm-blending size, skill, and puck possession into a legitimate second-line threat. But while that move brought balance to the middle six, it also left a noticeable void next to Suzuki and Caufield.
Since then, the Canadiens have been cycling through options in hopes of finding the right fit. Alexandre Texier is the latest to get a look, and while he brings energy and some versatility, he doesn’t quite profile as a long-term solution. He’s more of a complementary piece-someone who can hold his own, but not necessarily drive play at a first-line level.
Kirby Dach and Zachary Bolduc have also had their chances, but neither has truly claimed the spot. Dach’s been hampered by injuries and inconsistency, while Bolduc’s offensive game hasn’t popped the way the team hoped. It’s becoming clear: the internal options have their limits when it comes to filling a top-line role.
Could Alex Newhook Be the Answer?
That brings us to Alex Newhook. Before an injury sidelined him earlier this season, Newhook was showing real promise.
His elite skating and transition game make him a natural fit with Suzuki’s vision and Caufield’s finishing ability. He brings pace, he’s got offensive instincts, and he can keep up with the speed and creativity of that top duo.
On paper, Newhook checks a lot of boxes. But the question isn’t just whether he can play there-it’s whether he can thrive there for the long haul.
Is he a top-line winger who can handle tough matchups and still produce? Or is he better suited for a middle-six role where the pressure and defensive attention are a little lighter?
It’s worth giving him another shot when he’s healthy, no doubt. But banking on him as the long-term solution carries risk. The Canadiens need certainty on that top line, and right now, Newhook is still a bit of a question mark.
Looking Outside the Organization
If the answer isn’t in-house, then it’s time to start looking externally-either at the trade deadline or in the offseason. The Canadiens aren’t in a rush to make a splashy move, but they’re also at a point in their rebuild where targeted additions could accelerate their progress.
Adding a legitimate top-six winger-someone who can play big minutes alongside Suzuki and Caufield-would immediately elevate the team’s ceiling. This doesn’t have to be a superstar acquisition.
But it does need to be a player who can forecheck, win puck battles, and contribute consistently at five-on-five. Someone who complements the playmaking and scoring already in place.
Whether that help comes through a deadline deal, a hockey trade, or a free-agent signing this summer, it’s becoming increasingly clear that patience alone won’t fix this. The Canadiens have built a strong foundation. Now it’s about fine-tuning-and that starts with finding the right piece to complete the top line.
Why This Matters More Than a Second-Line Center
There’s been some talk about the Canadiens needing another center, but that’s not the immediate concern. Oliver Kapanen has stepped in and brought exactly what the second line needs: defensive responsibility, smart positioning, and enough offensive touch to keep defenses honest. He’s meshed well with Slafkovský and Demidov, giving the Canadiens a solid second unit.
Beyond that, help is on the way. Michael Hage is progressing faster than expected and looks like he could be NHL-ready sooner rather than later. With Hage and other young centers in the pipeline, the Canadiens have time and flexibility down the middle.
On the wing, though? That clock is ticking.
Suzuki and Caufield are in their prime. These are the years you want to maximize-not just for development, but for results.
Every season spent without a consistent, high-end winger next to them is a missed opportunity to unlock the full potential of this offense.
This isn’t just about filling a spot on the depth chart. It’s about defining the identity of this team.
Suzuki and Caufield are the heartbeat of the Canadiens’ attack. Give them the right partner, and suddenly you’re not just building-you’re contending.
That’s the next step. And it’s time to take it.