Canadiens Sign Newhook to Extension, Xhekaj to One-Year Deal

The Montreal Canadiens have secured two key players for the upcoming season, signing forward Alex Newhook to a four-year contract extension and defenseman Arber Xhekaj to a one-year deal. The team announced the moves on Tuesday, September 15, 2026, capping a busy period of offseason activity. Newhook's extension is worth $22.2 million, carrying an average annual value of $5.55 million. The deal will begin after the 2026-27 season, as Newhook is currently in the final year of a bridge contract that pays him $2.9 million annually. The 25-year-old was a restricted free agent and is now locked in with Montreal for five total seasons, buying three years of unrestricted free agency. The signing follows a strong postseason performance from Newhook, who scored a team-leading seven goals and 10 points in 19 playoff games during the Canadiens' run to the Eastern Conference final. He also recorded the game-winning goal in both Game 7 victories over the Tampa Bay Lightning and Buffalo Sabres. During the regular season, Newhook had 13 goals and 12 assists in 42 games before missing time with a fractured ankle.