Kent Hughes has already acquired a solid top-6 forward per insider
As the issue of potential trades for the Montreal Canadiens continues to stir up discussion, Kent Hughes may have already achieved his goal.
Many analysts are indeed talking about the possibility of acquiring a young top-6 forward to complement Cole Caufield, Nick Suzuki, Juraj Slafkovsky, Kirby Dach, and (eventually) Ivan Demidov... but what if Kent Hughes has already acquired this coveted young top-6 forward?
He flies under the radar, but Alex Newhook has had a very promising start with the Montreal Canadiens.
Acquired via trade from the Colorado Avalanche, Alex Newhook could be better than Martin Necas and Rutger McGroarty
Obviously, if a good top-6 forward becomes available at a reasonable price, Kent Hughes won't say no.
However, if not, the Montreal Canadiens might already have one on hand with Alex Newhook.
As journalist Adam Proteau from The Hockey News mentions, there is a young player who could very well flourish with the Canadiens (and become a dominant player).
Newhook, who is the same age as Kirby Dach and Cole Caufield, could collect more than 60 points next season according to Proteau.
After all, he just scored 15 goals and 34 points in 55 games, while playing almost exclusively with average line partners, including Brendan Gallagher and Joel Armia.
He produced at a pace of 50 points per 82 games, on an average line, and while being injured for a good part of the year.
Therefore, he could indeed be more productive than Martin Necas as early as next season.
Newhook is far from having reached his full potential.
By doing his part to revive the fortunes of Brendan Gallagher and Joel Armia, Newhook seems ready to realize his potential as a legitimate second-line center.»
- Adam Proteau
It would be a big deal for the Montreal Canadiens if Newhook can indeed break out "big time" in the coming months.
Alex Newhook, 23, was the 16th overall pick by the Colorado Avalanche in 2019 (1st round) and has accumulated 100 points, including 42 goals, in 214 career NHL games.
Do you think he can be better than Martin Necas?
Credit: Marqueur
Acquisition chez le Canadien: Kent Hughes aurait déjà trouvé son attaquant top 6
| POLL | ||
Who would you rather have in your top 6? | ||
| Alex Newhook | 300 | 52.9 % |
| Martin Necas | 267 | 47.1 % |
| List of polls | ||
