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I think a lot of fans were too quick to criticize the trade for Alex Newhook when Kent Hughes acquired him in June 2023.

It’s true the Habs paid a decent price: Gianni Fairbrother, a first-round pick (which became Mikhail Gulyayev), and a second-rounder (Ethan Gauthier).

Today, I feel like that trade is really starting to make sense. Alex Newhook is playing better and better.

He may not be the top-6 center everyone hoped for, but he’s becoming a super useful player for Martin St. Louis. He’s only 24 years old and still has lots of room to grow.

Alex Newhook is blossoming before our eyes

What I like most about him is his speed.

He’s quick with and without the puck, and that changes the game dynamic when he’s on the ice.

He uses his skating to enter the offensive zone and create chances.

Newhook also has a good shot that can surprise goalies, especially when he releases it quickly and hits the target.

If he becomes a little more opportunistic, I can easily see him scoring 20 goals a year.

A good trade for Kent Hughes in the end?

He was used on the wing for much of the season, but ever since he moved back to center, following Kirby Dach’s injury, it’s clear that’s where he’s most comfortable.

He wins faceoffs, covers his zone well, and can keep up with opposing lines.

With a $2.9 million contract through 2027, Alex Newhook could become a real steal for the Habs, especially if he centers a third line with two talented young players who can help him produce offensively.

He’s shown some really intriguing “flashes.”

I agree with Billy Bertrand (RDS): Newhook isn’t a miracle solution, but he’s a great piece in the lineup.

He’s going to be important for a long time and in the end, Kent Hughes might very well have won that trade.