BREAKING: Avalanche trade Alex Newhook for pair of draft picks

The Colorado Avalanche have moved forward Alex Newhook to the Montreal Canadiens in exchange for a pair of draft picks, as first reported by Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman.

The picks are 31st and 37th overall. Defenceman Gianni Fairbrother also goes to the Avalanche

— Elliotte Friedman (@FriedgeHNIC) June 27, 2023

In addition to already holding the No. 27 overall pick in the first round, the Avs are receiving another first-round pick, No. 31 overall, the No. 37 overall pick in the second round of the 2023 NHL Entry Draft and defenseman Gianni Fairbrother.

Newhook, 22, was drafted 16th overall in the first round of the 2019 NHL Entry Draft and struggled to build off a promising rookie campaign. This past year, the St. John’s, Newfoundland, native collected 30 points (14 goals, 16 points) while primarily manning the third-line center role in Jared Bednar’s lineup.

He struggled in the face-off dot, winning 41.4% of all draws, and had three points over the final 18 regular season games. Needless to say, the Avs were probably hoping the youngster would take the next step after Nazem Kadri’s departure in free agency last summer.

That did not happen, which prompted Avs general manager Chris MacFarland to make a splash trade before the 2023 NHL Entry Draft, acquiring forward Ryan Johansen from the Nashville Predators.

Newhook will get a fresh start in Montreal, but I am curious to see whether the Avs retain both picks acquired in the trade or move them for other assets during the draft.

Fairbrother, 22, is a former third-round pick in 2019 by Montreal. The left-shot defenseman has good size at 6 feet and 204 pounds, and last played for the AHL’s Laval Rocket in 2021–22, where he accumulated seven points (one goal, six assists) in 25 games. He missed all of last season with a knee injury.

The North Vancouver, British Columbia, native has one year remaining on his three-year entry-level deal before becoming a restricted free agent next summer.