Alex Newhook and Sampo Ranta are thankful for fresh starts to their professional hockey careers with the Avalanche.
The two forwards became hurried pros last spring, following Newhook’s sophomore season at Boston College and Ranta’s junior year at the University of Minnesota. Upon signing their three-year, entry-level contracts, they were assigned to the American Hockey League’s Colorado Eagles before beginning brief stints with the Avs.
Newhook, the 16th overall selection in the 2019 draft, played six NHL regular-season games and eight in the Stanley Cup playoffs. Ranta, a 2018 third-round pick, saw action in 14 Eagles games and played in two Avalanche playoff games.