Lane Hutson has been the talk around the league regarding Montreal Canadiens news, and that is within reason.
Not since Andrei Markov had the Canadiens had a defenseman with such a high level of hockey sense on both sides of the puck. Hutson's vision is on another level and the speed at which his feet stop and go is poetry in motion. Unsurprisingly he can throw off defenders on the breakout and make circus-like passes, sometimes completely across the neutral zone.
There are inconsistencies and nights where the team shows how much they need to improve, but there are some bright spots. Alongside Hutson, the Canadiens' number one power play unit has looked impressive. It's no coincidence that Hutson has made a difference with his creativity, and Patrik Laine also helps.
Lane Hutson is on pace to tie Ray Bourque and Brian Leetch's rookie assist total of 48. Five defencemen in NHL history had more than 48 assists in their rookie seasons - Murphy (60), Chelios (55), Persson (50), Gary Suter (50) and Lidstrom (49). @sickpodnhldraft
— Grant McCagg (@grantmccagg) December 3, 2024
But well before Laine arrived Hutson was already making waves throughout the NHL, emerging as one of the Calder Trophy favourites. He is the lone defenseman in the conversation, with guys like Macklin Celebrini and Matvei Michkov leading the pack. Grant McCagg mentioned on The Sick Podcast that Hutson is on pace to tie Ray Bourque and Brian Leetch's rookie assist record (48).
That is a pretty impressive duo of Hockey Hall of Fame defencemen, and should he surpass them, the guys ahead aren't slouches either. Larry Murphy, Chris Chelios, Stefan Persson, Gary Sutter and Niklas Lidstrom bested Bourque and Leetch's total. Gordie Howe's son Mark also has his name in the ring with 56 in 1984-85 with the Hartford Whalers.
Hutson's case for Calder Trophy love
The Calder Trophy race feels like it might end up being a two-horse race to the end with Celebrini and Michkov battling it out. But there are two other guys that I think shouldn't be underestimated - Hutson, as I mentioned earlier and Calgary Flames goaltender Dustin Wolf. Wolf was a standout with the Stockton Heat/Calgary Wranglers in the American Hockey League, and he hasn't missed a beat in the NHL, boasting an 8-4-1 record.
But back to Hutson. Very seldom do you see a defenseman who impacts the game the way that Hutson has, as the 20-year-old in his rookie season has been impressive. He plays big minutes for the Habs and recently was promoted to the top power play, which unsurprisingly, he has excelled at.
I know Michkov leads rookies in points, but man, you’d have a really hard time convincing me any rookie is making the impact on their team that Hutson is making for MTL. He’s already their best dman, and now he’s finally running PP1 and on a 5 game point streak.
— Jordan Decker (@_JordanDecker) December 6, 2024
Hutson is already having a huge impact on the Canadiens - and his rushes are dynamic, much like Quinn Hughes and Cale Makar. Not to say he is at their level, as it would be unfair to compare him to them, overall. But he does a lot of different things that elite defenders do, and he does them consistently.
I think that he could be a guy to keep an eye on, as he gets more comfortable, it's apparent that he is a special player. I have no doubt about it, but he just keeps getting better and doing different things to leave the crowd in awe. Hutson makes the power play so fun to watch and with reps and familiarity, I would bet that he continues his strong rookie season.
And I don't think that it would be a shock if he ends up in the conversation for the Calder at season's end.