Team-friendly salary and term are just two of a few reasons why forward Alex Newhook's contract extension with the Montreal Canadiens looks like a positive move for Kent Hughes.
Admittedly, when the trade between the Canadiens and Avalanche sent Alex Newhook to Montreal for picks and a prospect, I didn't hand out a good grade on the deal. I did, however, say the player himself could be a useful asset for the Habs; I just didn't agree with the price tag to get him.
So now that Kent Hughes has inked his new forward to a four-year contract extension, it's time to examine the details, and what Newhook can bring to the Canadiens lineup. In my view, there are four key parts of the contract which translate into good potential for the organization moving forward:
- Salary: $2.9 million AAV is team-friendly, particularly with the base salary being front-loaded.
- Term: long enough to see how he develops without being stuck with an unmovable contract.
- Player health: Newhook didn't miss a game last season, something only Nick Suzuki did in Montreal in the same timeframe.
- RFA status at expiration: gives Hughes plenty of options as the contract begins to wind down.
Additionally, I'm of the opinion that Newhook should remain on the left wing and not be slotted into a center position. Instead, Martin St. Louis should ensure that Kirby Dach remains in the middle, and he should utilize his new forward on the wing.
These topics are exactly what I set out to explore in this week's episode of Habs Hockey Report on YouTube. Want to hear my full analysis of this contract? Click the following link to watch the video: Why the Alex Newhook Contract is a WIN for the Montreal Canadiens