Montreal Canadiens & Colorado Avalanche Complete Trade

The Montreal Canadiens have acquired Alex Newhook from the Colorado Avalanche in exchange for a first-round pick (31st overall), a second-round pick (37th overall), and Gianni Fairbrother.

The Avalanche selected Newhook with the 16th overall pick of the 2019 NHL Entry Draft, and he is viewed as a player who could emerge as a top-six forward. However, he has yet to take that next step and become one. Yet, now that he is joining a rebuilding Canadiens team, perhaps it will open the door for him to have bigger opportunities with their weaker roster. When looking at their current group, he should be in the running for second-line minutes.

After posting 33 points in 71 games during the 2021-22 season with Colorado, Newhook took a step back in 2022-23, recording 30 points in 82 games played. Perhaps this drop in production was enough for the Avalanche to move on from him and focus their attention elsewhere. Now, the Avalanche have landed two solid picks in a deep 2023 NHL Entry Draft for the former top prospect.

Alas, it will be intriguing to see how this move benefits both clubs from here. Furthermore, let's see if Newhook breaks out and hits his potential as a Canadien in 2023-24.