I still don’t think Newhook failed because of his skating. Just a narrative that won’t die on HFAvs. If you asked the FO, Montreals FO/scouts they’d all agree he’s a great skater. If you seen him at practice you’d think he’s a great skater.
He’s the opposite of Jost. Tons of tools but no toolbox. A reverse Staz/ROR etc. where he can move around the ice great but is always a step behind because of his hockey IQ. That’s why he’s a winger. Just looks lost on the ice at C. If his mind ever caught up with feet he’d make for a solid 2C IMO.
Newhook failed at center mostly because of his skating. That doesn't mean Newhook will fail as a NHLer because of his skating. You can play wing in a top 6 role with mediocre skating and be very successful. Newhook is better than mediocre by a good degree.
People get WAY too tied up in top speed when evaluating skating... it is like kid go fast, kid must be good skater. That's not really the case in reality, it a much more nuanced thing. Newhook can fly when given space.. but he can't create space in tight areas. He can't burst his way out. He can't create space when leaned on. He's also got poor edges or balance when stationary, which causes him to lose a lot of battles. Those latter areas are where Newhook really struggles as a skater... not his top speed.
I caught hell prior to Newhook being drafted to basically calling him Eberle 2.0. I honestly think Newhook can still round out into that player. A good complimentary winger who can produce offense, but needs a guy or two who can clear space for him to be productive.
