Montreal Canadiens: Lane Hutson’s Dominance Continues

The Montreal Canadiens power play has been missing a consistent QB, that can run the powerplay since Markov left.

Michael Matheson is very adept at doing it, and for the foreseeable future, he will occupy the top unit. But the guy brewing in Massachusetts at Boston University has all the skills, and smarts to run the Canadiens power play for the next decade or more.

Lane Hutson was dynamic at the Habs prospect showcase in early July and before that during his NCAA rookie season. He continues to make difficult plays look so simple, routinely.

He put on yet another show during the World Junior Summer Showcase on Monday morning. He made two beautiful passes that resulted in goals, and he made two Swedish players look silly behind their net before he deked around the Swedish goalie for a gorgeous tally.

To this point, at every level Hutson has elevated his play and continues to make opponents miss using his elite hockey IQ, and crafty skating. He does absolutely everything, if you need to kill a penalty, he has shown that he can defend the net. His transitioning from defence to offence happens so fast, he fires a laser pass tape-to-tape or winds up and jukes his way into a scoring area.

While Hutson is always thinking, once he gets into the offensive zone, it’s almost as though his mind completely takes over in the offensive zone. His head is up, and he is constantly scanning, and adjusting. He exposes little openings of ice, and instantly he thinks two to three steps ahead. His ability to burn defenders with his skating, or a quick, accurate shot makes him a dual threat.

The Canadiens have longed for a defenseman of Hutson’s ilk, and appear to have found what they have been lacking with this second round pick. Hutson does everything at an elite level, and he is constantly trying to improve his game. His ability to outsmart defenders opens up so much space for him to create, and he has a knack for making smart plays.

With another season ahead to get stronger and faster, while playing big minutes in all situations, Hutson next year is a big one. He has always proved doubters wrong and has made a career of doing it, so he will likely continue the trend. If 2022-23 was a sign of things to come, Hutson will look to best his 48-point rookie campaign and help his team to the Frozen Four tournament.

Another addition to Hutson’s 2023-24 season will be the World Junior Championships during the Christmas Holidays. The United States have a promising young roster, and Hutson could potentially play alongside his brother, Cole and another goalscoring American, 2024 Draftee Cole Eiserman. The Americans are looking to win gold after the Canadians upset them in the semi-finals, and Lane Hutson is going to be a pillar on the squad.

I fully expect Hutson to continue impressing, and growing his game. With all of this priceless high competition ahead for Hutson to continue his development, both internationally and in the NCAA, his development will benefit greatly. He is a headliner in the Habs prospect pool, and his skillset will help lead the Canadiens through their rebuild.

There are some talented forwards in Montreal, Laval and throughout the Canadiens’ playoff pool, and that plays right into Hutson’s game. He could slot right in, and grow with the young core, starting as soon as his NCAA season ends. Hutson can feed passes to Caufield, and play pass with Suzuki to throw off defenders, the possibilities are endless.

Here’s to continued health, growth and a great development season for Hutson, the Canadiens are impatiently waiting for you, and will welcome you with open arms.

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