The Montreal Canadiens haven't played the way that anybody hoped they would so far this season, which to put it lightly has been disappointing.
Lane Hutson, the rookie sensation, hasn't been immune to the frustration but has a great perspective for being so young. While the team hasn't played great or gotten the results they would hope for in the third year of the rebuild, he remains grateful. Very few people get to play hockey in front of tens of thousands of fans and make millions doing it.
“We get to play hockey everyday so you can’t complain. There’s gonna be tough stretches, we’re in a tough stretch now but we’re excited to try to get out of it.”
— /r/Habs (@HabsOnReddit) November 5, 2024
- Lane Hutson today pic.twitter.com/JSp9tNE2FH
While he hasn't experienced many losses over the last two seasons with Boston University, he is aware that tough stretches are a part of the game. It may not always go the way you want it to, but the idea is to continue improving. Hutson practices just as hard as he plays, ensuring he is up to each challenge.
The way that he carries himself on the ice is impressive, but the fact that he welcomes any challenge makes him even more impressive. For a 20-year-old rookie to come into the NHL and jump in and look like a five-year veteran is rare. Add in the fact that he is excited to help pull the team out of the rut, and it's essentially music to the Bell Centre faithful's ears.
Darkhorse for 4 nations USA roster
It might be a little far-fetched, but is there a possibility that Hutson gets the call to join the American's blueline for the upcoming 4 nations faceoff? With Quinn Hughes likely a lock for the roster, the idea of adding another undersized, offensive defenseman to the team seems unlikely. But if the Americans roll with seven defensemen, having a guy like Hutson isn't the worst option.
With a strong group of forwards who love to play fast and create in the offensive zone, a guy like Hutson fits like a glove. I can see from a defensive standpoint, that the Team USA staff might opt for a couple of stay-at-home defensemen. So, it might be less likely that Hutson gets an invite, but for Habs fans, it would certainly be intriguing.
With Cole Caufield a very likely option for the team, watching two Canadiens players mix it up for Team USA could be a fun scenario. A little United States National Team Development Program alumni thing could happen with the USA - the Jack Hughes and Caufield duo with Hutson in the mix could be a lot of fun.
Maybe it doesn't happen, but the thought of it is definitely something fun to discuss.