According to what was reported by Sportsnet's informant, Elliotte Friedman, we have just learned that his arrival could have happened much earlier than expected, as he was a target for Kent Hughes during the 2022 draft.
Considering that the Habs traded defender Alexander Romanov to get the 13th overall pick, which they then passed on to Chicago in the trade for Kirby Dach, it can be inferred that Newhook was possibly Hughes' first target.
Some also believe that this 16th pick in the 2019 draft, just behind Cole Caufield, was likely the first player Hughes was targeting at the time of Artturi Lehkonen's trade, before eventually acquiring defender Justin Barron.
One thing seems pretty clear, Hughes has been wanting to acquire Newhook since he took up the position as GM of the Canadiens. Even though the latter had a more difficult second season in the NHL, the team's leader strongly believes in the potential of his former client, and after a few attempts, he has finally got his hands on him.
