2. Lane Hutson keeps proving the doubters wrong
Lane Hutson entered the season with a massive target on his back. The same doubters who keep saying he wouldn't make it to the next level were out in full force to say he couldn't impact the NHL. The reality couldn't be farther from the truth.
Covering Lane Huston must be nightmare fuel for opposing wingers
— A Winning Habit (@FSAWinningHabit) October 10, 2024
Hutson has an unlimited fuel supply when he's on the ice. He speeds in and around opposing players, escaping with pucks he has no business controlling. It was what made him such a force in the NCAA, but many wondered how he would do against faster, more physical players at the NHL level. On Thursday night, he didn't look out of place at all.
There will be some growing pains along the way for Hutson, but through this season-opener and the two games last season, there's no reason to believe he isn't here to stay and will be one of the top offensive defensemen in the game. The undersized defenseman had a couple of plays that showed he could work on his defensive game, but his offensive skills make up for it.