Lane Hutson keeping pace in NHL rookie scoring race

When Lane Hutson hit the ice for the Montreal Canadiens, it was obvious that he would be a problem.

Hutson is a great problem for the Canadiens because he causes so many issues for the opposition every night. On a nightly basis, Hutson does things on the back end that few other defensemen can do. Amongst the Calder Trophy candidates, no defender is doing what Hutson is doing - he is pacing with the NHL's top blueline scorers.

I think when watching Hutson and Macklin Celebrini play with the BU Terriers, you could sense that these guys would be difference-makers in the NHL. But watching them compete for the rookie-scoring race lead is mighty impressive. It's a cool story, also, to see that the pair are battling it out, after wreaking havoc in the NCAA last year.

Celebrini and Matvei Michkov are tied for first with 27 points, Celebrini, however, has done so in just 27 games. Michkov has played 34 games, and Hutson 35. The Habs will match up with the Tampa Bay Lightning on Sunday afternoon, which will be a chance for Hutson to climb to first.

Michkov and Celebrini are viewed as franchise players for their respective organizations, and while it's still early in their careers - I think they will organizational pillars. Hutson, while he is older than the other two, has transitioned to the NHL with ease. I believe that he will be one of the Habs' most important pieces, all from the blue line.

Hutson is sure to make as big an impact on the Habs as Celebrini with the Sharks and Michkov with the Oilers. It stings seeing Michkov doing what he was projected to do, but Hutson's play eases it. I expect that the race till the end of the season will be intriguing, and these three players will keep exciting fans for the next 15 years.

Juraj Slafkovsky at home with No. 22 & 14

Juraj Slafkovsky didn't start the 2023-2024 season fast, it took him a little while to get chugging, but once he found his footing, he was a stud. Scoring a goal and an assist in the Habs' final game of the season, Slafkovsky finished the campaign with 20-30-50. This season, Slafkovsky has four goals and 16 assists, through 32 games - on pace for back-to-back 50-point campaigns.

I think that Slafkovsky has elite tendencies, but he has to play with guys who bring out those traits, otherwise, he is at his best. Slafkovsky doesn't drive the play himself but complements and overwhelms opponents with his physicality. With Suzuki and Caufield, Slaf can play his brand of hockey, and his production reflects that.