Kris Letang shares his thoughts about Lane Hutson

There has been one constant for the Montreal Canadiens to start the 2024-25 season and that is the impressive play of Lane Hutson.

He has gained the attention of coaches and opponents league-wide, and every time that he touches the ice he proves why he is so revered by everybody. Nothing seems too big or difficult for Hutson, and every obstacle seems so routine for the rookie. It's no wonder why teams are game-planning for the offensive-minded defender.

For a three-time Stanley Cup-winning veteran defenseman to say that the crowd going nuts for Hutson gives him goosebumps says a lot. Winning one Stanley Cup is impressive and takes a ton of poise, hard work and discipline, never mind winning three. So, if Letang is impressed by Hutson's abilities, I think it's safe to say that the Canadiens have themselves a player.

The scouting report according to Letang was to give Hutson space to gain confidence, then collapse and take away his options. While he didn't excel against the Penguins, the fact that he warrants such attention speaks to how talented he is. But the best thing about hearing their tactics is knowing that Hutson loves the attention because he has the poise to draw in defenders and make a pass to a wide-open teammate.

Hutson's hockey IQ is off the charts

For a smaller player to thrive, he needs to think quickly and his feet need to be able to keep up with his mind. This is even more true when the smaller player plays a position that is often occupied by larger players. As a defenseman, Hutson is playing a position that is starting to see smaller players, but the ones who thrive are quick thinkers and they don't hesitate.

Hutson is a player who seems to have no pulse, it's like he is playing the game from a lazy-boy recliner. If an opponent engages him, he just finds ways to spin away from the pressure or make a quick pass to avoid problems. Offensively, he is talked about constantly, but his teammate Kaiden Guhle has been pleasantly surprised by how effective he has been defensively.

Hutson can read the situation in what seems like a few steps ahead, this almost always helps him to avoid getting hit. It's crazy to think that he is only going to get stronger and presumably find new ways to outsmart the opposition. Guhle says there is nothing to not like about Hutson, and for Habs fans watching the pair play together warrants the same feelings.