Acquisition by the Canadiens: Kent Hughes may have acquired a forward capable of scoring 30 goals per season

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David St-Jean
October 14, 2023 (4:47 PM)

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Some fans had doubts about Kent Hughes when he traded a first-round pick and a second-round pick (as well as Gianni Fairbrother) to acquire young Alex Newhook. After all, the former Avalanche forward had only scored 66 points in 159 games during his time in Colorado.

However, the newcomer was simply electrifying in the first game of the season, finding the back of the net twice against the Maple Leafs. Paired with Kirby Dach and Juraj Slafkovsky, Newhook silenced his critics by demonstrating that he possesses very promising offensive skills that could make him a top-line forward on the team's first two lines.

Of course, it's still too early to determine the impact he will have over a full 82-game season, but it's hard to deny that he seems to be developing excellent chemistry with his two line mates.

Has Kent Hughes once again made a significant move by acquiring a talented forward who simply needed a change of scenery to reach his full potential?

The Colorado Avalanche beat writer, Drew Livingstone, is convinced that he has. He even goes so far as to say that Alex Newhook will reach the 30-goal mark, and that could happen as early as this season.

"Newhook scored his 2nd of the game. He's gonna mess around, score 30 and make the Avs regret that deal" - Drew Livingstone

Wow! We love hearing comments like that!

There's no doubt that the 22-year-old forward has immense talent, having been selected 19th overall in the 2019 draft.

It will be very interesting to follow his progress in the coming weeks, but everything seems to be in place for him to have the best season of his career under the guidance of Martin St-Louis.

Source: Go Nordiques