One of the biggest moves the Montreal Canadiens made with their 2023 NHL Draft picks wasn’t the selection of an eligible prospect but the acquisition of the rights to Alex Newhook from the Colorado Avalanche, giving up picks 31 and 37, plus Gianni Fairbrother to get him. Following a few days of negotiations, the parties have reached an agreement on a four-year contract.
The Canadiens agree to terms on a four-year contract (2023-24 to 2026-27) with forward Alex Newhook.#GoHabsGo https://t.co/XT5NRb0rvw
— Canadiens Montréal (@CanadiensMTL) July 11, 2023
The contract carries an annual cap hit of $2.9 million per season. The contract was first reported by Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman and confirmed by the team.
Newhook was selected 16th overall in the 2019 NHL Draft, one pick after Cole Caufield went to the Canadiens. He spent just two seasons at Boston College before turning pro, making his way up to the NHL at the end of the season and dressing for eight post-season games. He has played two NHL campaigns since, with a total of 66 points in 159 games to date, and an additional seven points in 27 playoff appearances.
The situation is much like the trade for Kirby Dach at the draft a year ago and then inked to a similar deal. Kent Hughes expects that these moves have solidified his middle-six depth for the foreseeable future, with captain Nick Suzuki signed long-term in the top spot.
