The Avalanche traded forward Alex Newhook to Montreal for two of the Canadiens’ 2023 draft picks and an AHL player on Tuesday, the eve of the NHL draft.
Colorado received the No. 31 (first round) and No. 37 (second round) overall picks in exchange for the restricted free agent Newhook, whose entry-level contract just ended. Previously, the Avs’ only pick of the first four rounds was No. 27. Loading up on top-40 picks might be a sign of a bigger move on the horizon for first-year general manager Chris MacFarland.
The first round of the draft is Wednesday (5 p.