Montreal Canadiens acquire forward Alex Newhook from Colorado Avalanche

The Montreal Canadiens have acquired forward Alex Newhook from the Colorado Avalanche in exchange for defense prospect Gianni Fairbrother and two picks in the 2023 NHL Draft, the clubs announced Tuesday afternoon.

Newhook, 22, collected 14 goals and 30 points in 82 games with the Avalanche during the 2022–23 regular season. The five-foot-ten forward added an assist in seven games during the 2023 Stanley Cup Playoffs.

In return for Newhook, the Avalanche received picks No. 31 and No. 37 in the 2023 NHL Draft. The Canadiens originally acquired pick No. 31 from the Florida Panthers as part of the Ben Chiarot trade in 2022.

Newhook is set to become a restricted free agent upon the conclusion of the three-year ELC he signed with the Avalanche back in 2021. He’s due a $874,125 qualifying offer on June 30.

The Avalanche originally selected Newhook in the first round (No. 16 overall) of the 2019 NHL Draft. The St. John’s, Newfoundland product made his NHL debut with the club late in the 2020–21 season.

Newhook emerged as a regular with the Avalanche the following year, amassing 33 points in 71 games during the regular season and four points in 12 playoff contests as the Avs won their third Stanley Cup.

The Canadiens originally selected Fairbrother in the third round (No. 77 overall) of the 2019 NHL Draft. The six-foot defenseman, who shoots left, racked up a goal and seven points in 25 AHL games with the Laval Rocket in 2022–23.

Through 159 career games over parts of three seasons with the Avalanche, Newhook has collected 27 goals and 66 points. He’s added seven points (one goal, six assists) in 27 playoff games.