Lets talk about Lane Hutson

Lane Hutson is a Montreal Canadiens, and while there are some things that are uncertain, the Canadiens having a premiere defenseman isn't one of them.

We have collectively run out of superlatives to explain Hutson, that haven't been used a million times over. On Wednesday night against the Seattle Kraken, Hutson who was held off the scoresheet the night before against the Vancouver Canucks, was still searching for his 50th point of the season. Let's just say he found it, assisting on Patrik Laine's power play marker.

The goal that pulled the Habs out of a two-goal deficit, and took some weight off Jakub Dobes, who had been a busy bee to that point.

You can see the names that Hutson has inserted himself alongside, as the only rookie defenseman in NHL history to score 50 points. The resumé's speak for themselves. Any list that you can say you have your name beside Niklas Lidstrom, and alongside Cale Makar, Quinn Hughes and Moritz Seider, is a feat to get excited about.

I don't think anybody knew what Montreal was getting when they drafted Hutson 62nd overall in 2022, because this is absolutely bonkers. There are these (Quinn) Hughes comparisons, and while the skating isn't at the same level, the vision, creativity and brilliant edges are reminiscent.

Hutson wasn't satiated with his 50th point of the year, so he chipped in another assist for his 51st. The rookie defenseman has drawn himself into the top four for points scoring by a defender this season. His counterparts - Hughes, 24, Makar, 25, and Zach Werenski, 27 - are all a minimum four years older than Hutson.

I don't know that anybody would have predicted Hutson to do the things he is doing this early into his career. He was dominant in the NCAA, but the transition from university to the NHL is ridiculous. It is a true testament to the talent that Hutson is, and is tracking to become.

Hutson, just to note it, scored two points in one period, and with the wins taking such precedence at this time of year, he is sure to have his prints all over the third period. It's funny because the Habs needed a spark, and it was their two rookies - Dobes and Hutson - who provided it.

That won't be lost on me, because when the team is in their contention window, I expect that Hutson will be doing the same thing. One major difference will be having Ivan Demidov in the lineup, to help create, and certainly finish off some great Hutson passes. Hutson is just scratching his ceiling. It is insane to think that he is this good in year one.

After 60 minutes, the Kraken clawed their way back into the game, after Montreal choked away a 4-2 lead. Undisciplined play, from David Savard and Arber Xhekaj, put the Habs in the box. Seattle struck twice, and forced overtime.

Hutson was victimized pretty bad on the overtime winner by Brandon Montour, who has rightfully earned the nickname of Habs killer. In two games this season, he has recorded a hat trick against the Habs, and tonight, two goals and two assists.

Year two, year three?

If he is on pace to score say 60 points in his rookie season, with the Canadiens, who have played the entire season, with many variations of a makeshift second line.

When Montreal has the loose ends tightened up, I don't see any reason to believe that Hutson can't score in the 75-point range as soon as next year. I think in his prime, Hutson will post many 85-90-point seasons. He is too smart and creative not to continue dominating, and to think if Kirby Dach has solidified the second line centre role, he might have 10-15 additional points.

Hutson is here, and when David Reinbacher or Logan Mailloux do enough to prove they are ready, I think Hutson will have his long-term defence partner.