The Montreal Canadiens are preparing for the 2023 NHL Draft which is just six days away. Last year, they had the top pick, and also may have grabbed the top player late in the second round.
Lane Hutson was chosen 62nd overall, with teams completely infatuated by his amazing puck skills, but most teams were too wary of his size to risk selecting him in either of the first two rounds.
Fortunately for Habs fans, the Canadiens rolled the dice on the supremely talented player, who had scored ten goals and 63 points in 60 games for the U.S. Development Team in his draft year. That wasn’t enough to entice anyone in the top 60 to take him though.
Last season, Hutson suited up for Boston University as a freshman. He was among the very best players in the entire country, scoring 15 goals and 48 points in 39 games. Hutson also suited up at the World Junior Championships in Halifax, Nova Scotia and Moncton, New Brunswick, scoring one goal and four points in seven games.
It was of course inevitable, but Hutson was named to the U.S. World Junior Summer Showcase earlier today. He turned 19 in February, so he is heading into his final season where he is eligible to play at the World Juniors, and as a returning player, Hutson along with Ryan Chesley and Seamus Casey are likely to end up with a big role on that team.
The Summer Showcase features two teams of players from the United States as well as teams from Finland and Sweden. It will take place in Plymouth, Michigan from July 27 – August 4, and eight games will be played.
Hutson took home a bronze medal from the World Juniors last season and will be looking for a better finish when the 2024 World Junior Tournament takes place in Sweden next winter.
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