Friedman on Sportsnet talking Newhook: “Colorado gave him a big role and it didn’t work, he just wasn’t ready for it, now that doesn’t mean he can’t do it, that doesn’t mean he’s incapable, he just wasn’t ready for what Colorado needed right now”.
– NHL Watcher (@NHL_Watcher) June 28, 2023
![Alex Newhook: there were talks with the Canadiens a year ago](https://cdn.buminteractif.com/2023/06/Alex-Newhook-1.jpg)
Colorado didn’t trade Alex Newhook to the Habs because they don’t believe in the kid. They traded him to the Habs to free up salary for a guy who wasn’t ready for what the club is trying to do in 2023-2024: win the Cup.
It’s simply the circumstances that explain his trade.
Right now in the NHL, there are many players available for salary purposes. Newhook was one of them… and Colorado is proud to have obtained two good assets.
Because yes, picks #31 and #37 are assets. If many clubs think the NHL is going to be in turmoil, it’s mainly because of the Canadiens… and the Avalanche’s picks.
Joe Sakic’s club could turn the picks into established players.
What’s interesting is that the CH got their hands on a young player with high potential. After all, to let two picks go like that, the gamble has to make sense.
Marinaro: Dubois & Habs didn’t want each other! | The Sick Podcast with Tony Marinaro June 27 2023 https://t.co/BhInzwcvb4
– The Sick Podcast with Tony Marinaro (@thesickpodcasts) June 28, 2023
And as Elliotte Friedman tells us in today’s podcast, the young man was at the heart of certain discussions between Colorado and the Canadiens for the 2022 draft.
Wednesday morning 32 Thoughts news pod…also featuring a quick chat with Nashville GM Barry Trotz. Links to your preferred platform here: https://t.co/io7Mr1QEpm Enjoy!
– Elliotte Friedman (@FriedgeHNIC) June 28, 2023
I wouldn’t be surprised to learn that he was also discussed in the Artturi Lehkonen deal, me…
I imagine the fact that he was still on his entry-level contract at the time (he’ll be a restricted free agent on Saturday) and had a year less in the body forced Colorado to be cautious last draft.
But now, after a 2023 playoff run that didn’t measure up to what we saw in 2022 (Stanley Cup), maybe Denver’s bosses have decided they need to act.
In bursts
– If he’d wanted to play in Montreal, he wouldn’t have signed for eight years.
Ultimately Pierre-Luc Dubois chose the Kings over the Canadiens. While the Canadiens couldn’t offer the Jets the NHL ready players they wanted, Dubois had to agree to go to LA and sign the extension. Dubois chose the Kings.
– Eric Macramalla (@EricMacramalla) June 28, 2023
– Timo Meier about to put down roots in Newark.
Hearing there’s been serious progress in talks on an 8-year extension for Timo Meier and the Devils. Not quite there yet but definitely getting closer. Could get done over next few days. @TSNHockey @TheAthletic
– Pierre LeBrun (@PierreVLeBrun) June 28, 2023
– Notice for those who want to know about the cap.
NHL salary cap officially set at $83.5M. Floor is $61.7. Maximum salary is…$16.7M
– Elliotte Friedman (@FriedgeHNIC) June 28, 2023
– What a player.
He doesn’t even know if he’ll participate in the circuit contest. https://t.co/2QDfINSJgp
– Passion MLB (@passion_mlb) June 28, 2023
– You already know.
It’s finally here!
It’s finally here! #GoHabsGo | #NHLDraft pic.twitter.com/mlTUdrtQhO
– Montreal Canadiens (@CanadiensMTL) June 28, 2023