Avalanche head coach Jared Bednar had a one-on-one meeting with Newhook to discuss the center's level of play thus far, Adrian Dater of Colorado Hockey Now reports. "We (went) over numbers, where he stands, what we need to see from him," Bednar said. "And then, we (got) specific on detail with the video."

EDGE Analysis

Newhook, who was benched for much of the third period in Monday's loss to the Blues, has been tasked with filling the skates of Nazem Kadri as the second-line center. It's a tall task for the 21-year-old, who has three points and 17 shots on goal through 14 games. At the dot, Newhook won only 29 of 94 faceoffs (30.9 percent). He's expected to maintain a top-six presence Thursday in North Carolina for a meeting with the Hurricanes but could be replaced by J.T. Compher if his struggles continue.

Newhook was benched for a large stretch of the third period in Monday's 3-2 loss to St. Louis, Adrian Dater of Colorado Hockey Now reports. "He's not playing up to the standard I've set for him," head coach Jared Bednar said.

EDGE Analysis

Newhook had seven shifts and 6:37 TOI in the first period, then just six shifts and a combined 6:36 TOI over the final two periods. He had a promising two-game stretch in Finland, but the second-line forward has returned to the lackadaisical ways that's characterized much of his season. "Too many turnovers. Not skating and attacking," Bednar added. Newhook has just three points -- two during the series in Finland -- and is minus-4 over 14 games.

Newhook scored a goal on three shots and delivered one hit over 16:30 of ice time in Saturday's 5-1 win over Columbus in Finland.

EDGE Analysis

Newhook finished off the scoring early in the third period with his second goal of the season. A slow start for the second-line center -- zero points and 10 shots through eight games -- was becoming a minor concern, but the 2019 first-round pick has responded with points (two goals, one assist) in three straight.

Newhook scored a goal during a 5-4 loss to the Islanders on Saturday.

EDGE Analysis

Newhook, appearing in his ninth game, snapped his season-long goal-scoring drought by connecting on a third-period goal Saturday. The marker halted a five-goal outburst by the Islanders. The 2019 first-round draft pick has been issued at least 11:43 of ice time for each game this season. Against the Islanders, he matched his season-high with three shots.

Newhook had zero shots on net and one hit over 13:13 of ice time in Friday's 1-0 loss to New Jersey.

EDGE Analysis

Scoring depth has been an issue for the Avalanche, and Newhook has been part of the problem, failing to hit the scoresheet in eight contests. He's getting mostly second-line minutes at center, where Colorado is missing the impact of Nazem Kadri (now with Calgary). Newhook won one of seven draws Friday and has a 29.8 faceoff percentage for the season.

Newhook had three shots on net and four PIM in Friday's 3-2 loss to the Kraken.

EDGE Analysis

Newhook was in the box when Seattle scored its first goal, then was whistled for an offensive zone high sticking late in the third period, dashing any hopes of an Avalanche comeback. He also had a good scoring chance but was stymied by Philipp Grubauer. Newhook's slow start -- zero points through five games and a 30.6 faceoff winning percentage -- prompted a demotion from the second line to the third.

Newhook had one hit and one shot on net while finishing minus-1 over 12:26 of ice time in Monday's 6-3 win over Minnesota.

EDGE Analysis

Newhook is filling the big skates of Nazem Kadri as the Avalanche's second-line center but has failed to produce a point through three games. He did have a decent night at the dot, winning four of six draws to improve to a 30.4 FO%, but linemate Evan Rodrigues is starting to take some draws when the second line is on the ice. Newhook could be squeezing the stick, trying to impress in a top-six role, which had been a big part of Colorado's run to the Stanley Cup in 2021-22.

Newhook had one shot and two hits over 13:43 of ice time in Wednesday's 5-2 win over Chicago.

EDGE Analysis

Newhook opened the season as the second-line center, a role that was filled by the very productive Nazem Kadri on last season's Stanley Cup championship squad. He also skated on the second power-play unit. Newhook, who won just 34.7 percent of his faceoff draws in 2021-22, won two of seven at the dot Wednesday. This will be a big year for the 21-year-old, who was drafted 16th overall in 2019. He's stepping into a prominent top-six role on a championship caliber team after serving on the third line last season. Colorado head coach Jared Bednar told Peter Baugh of The Athletic that he plans to give Newhook ample time to prove he belongs on the second line.

Newhook centered the second line in Wednesday's 2-1 preseason win over the Stars. He had four shots on net, one hit and one blocked shot over 19:08 of ice time.

EDGE Analysis

It was the Avalanche's preseason finale, which is a sign that Newhook will open the season on the second unit, replacing the departed Nazem Kadri next Wednesday against Chicago. He lined up with Evan Rodrigues and Valeri Nichushkin and could eventually skate with Gabriel Landeskog (lower body, IR) when he returns to active duty.

Newhook recorded two assists in Saturday's 7-0 win over the Lightning in Game 2.

EDGE Analysis

Newhook had the secondary helpers on goals by Valeri Nichushkin (on the power play) and Josh Manson in the first period. This outing snapped a four-game point drought for Newhook. The 21-year-old saw a playoff-high 16:04 of ice time, but the lopsided score likely factored into the increased usage. Newhook has picked up four helpers in eight postseason contests in a bottom-six assignment.