Lane Hutson notches first NHL goal in Patrik Laine's return to Winnipeg

This night was one that Patrik Laine had circled on his calendar, his return back to the city where he was drafted.

A former second-overall draft selection, who was supposed to be the Winnipeg Jets' generational goalscorer for the next decade. Judging by where Laine is now, it didn't all work out, and he was traded to the Columbus Blue Jackets for fellow 2016 first-round draftee Pierre Luc Dubois. This had to be a big punch to the confidence of Laine, so this was a big night for Laine.

As far as the first goal of the game goes, Hutson has stolen the spotlight. The bench erupted, with so much excitement for Hutson, who has done everything but score a goal to this point. Hutson does all of the little things right, so his first National Hockey League goal is a biggie.

I'm quite sure that Laine would have to agree it was a sniper-like shot, precise and off his blade quick. I think it was obvious that Hutson was going to score goals in the NHL, but to go 32 games without one was odd. He was a dual threat in college, and to me, puck luck has been the issue for No. 48.

His slapshot isn't ferocious, but he has taken a few towards the net and he shoots the puck well overall. There is room for improvement, but as far as shooting goes, he knows how to pick his spots. Many of his opportunities were close, which gives way to the fact that he is a quality shooter.

There is still time for No. 92 to make his mark in the game, but for now, Hutson's first is the story for the Canadiens. A one-goal deficit unfortunately what the Habs are dealing with at first intermission. Looks like the Canadiens could use a patented Laine snipe to knot it up at 2-2.

Hutson's hockey knowledge is elite

It takes a special player to be in control each time the puck is on their stick, it's so natural to burn the opposition. In the NHL, there aren't many players who almost always make the defender look silly, and probably even fewer who play defence. You can think of the different names - Quinn Hughes, Cale Makar and Roman Josi come to mind, you get the point, and Hutson is doing similar things for the Canadiens.

I can't say that he ever looks rushed and he processes plays so fast that everything looks smooth. Hutson is methodical with the puck on his stick, and he is so fluid with his hands and feet constantly moving. I believe that Hutson idolized Patrik Kane growing up and I think there are elements of his game that resemble No. 88's.

Hutson is a student of the game and he respects his opponents but he practices so much that he is confident he can outsmart them. It's a gamble if he doesn't pull off a move, but more often than not he spins around defenders or puts on a stickhandling masterclass. It's hard to predict what a player will do in the future, but Hutson's present play seems indicative of something special brewing.