Newhook traded to Canadiens by Avalanche

Alex Newhook was traded to the Montreal Canadiens by the Colorado Avalanche on Tuesday.

The Avalanche received a first- and second-round pick in the 2023 Upper Deck NHL Draft and defenseman prospect Gianni Fairbrother. The first-round pick (No. 31) was previously acquired by the Canadiens from the Florida Panthers.

Newhook had 30 points (14 goals, 16 assists) in 82 games this season and one assist in seven Stanley Cup Playoff games. The 22-year-old forward can become a restricted free agent on July 1.

"I think he'll get a better opportunity here, since he was playing 12-13 minutes per game, and I think he will play more here and get more responsibilities," Canadiens coach Martin St. Louis said. "We can't overlook the experience he gained in Colorado. He played in about 150 games and he won a Stanley Cup. He's not the tallest player (5-foot-10, 190 pounds), but he plays a heavy game. We think that he can show more in a different environment."

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Selected by Colorado in the first round (No. 16) of the 2019 NHL Draft, Newhook has 66 points (27 goals, 39 assists) in 159 regular-season games. He also seven points (one goal, six assists) in 27 playoff games, including helping the Avalanche win the Cup in 2022.

"In Colorado, he was a young player who was trying to grow on a team that eventually won the Stanley Cup, a team that was so great offensively," Canadiens general manager Kent Hughes said. "We think we can offer him a better opportunity. He brings speed to our team as well as character."

Newhook's versatility is also appealing to the Canadiens.

"He can play at center or wing, on the power play and the penalty kill," St. Louis said. "He is another piece that will help us get closer to our vision."

The Avalanche now have two picks (Nos. 27 and 31) in the first round of the draft, which will be held at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville on Wednesday (7 p.m. ET; ESPN, SN, TVAS). Rounds 2-7 are Thursday (11 a.m. ET; NHLN, SN, TVAS).

The Canadiens still have their own first-round pick (No. 5) in the draft.

Fairbrother was selected in the third round (No. 77) in the 2019 draft. The 22-year-old has yet to play in the NHL.

NHL.com senior writer Dan Rosen contributed to this report