The 2024 year was supposed to be different for the Montreal Canadiens. They believed their rebuild was starting to end, and they wondered whether 2024 would end with them looking ahead to a run at the playoffs in 2025. The year ended with a string of wins that elevated them to sixth place in the Atlantic Division, but they are still seven points behind in a playoff race. This series will examine how each player performed over the 2024 calendar year. Next up is Calder Trophy candidate Lane Hutson.
Hutson had an incredible debut for the Canadiens at the end of the 2023-24 season, recording two assists in two games after signing his first professional contract. Hutson was a star at Boston University before signing the contract, and many hoped he'd be the puck-moving defenseman that the Canadiens needed. It would've been difficult for Hutson to enter the NHL without some growing pains, given his size, but he hasn't looked out of place and has been better defensively than expected.
Hutson has 28 points in 37 NHL games but could increase his goalscoring abilities after taking forever to get the money off his back and secure the first of his career. 2024 ended better than Hutson could've expected, as he took the PP1 quarterback role away from Mike Matheson and will likely hold on to that spot for a long time.
Lane Hutson 2024 Highlights
Hutson scored his first career goal on December 14 against the Winnipeg Jets. He nearly failed to secure the elusive highlight, as he had plenty of tape with him making his rounds in the attacking zone but didn't have a goal to show for it. However, his first career goal will be remembered as he snuck one past Connor Hellebuyck.
LANE HUTSON HAS HIS FIRST NHL GOAL!
— NHL (@NHL) December 15, 2024
📺: @Sportsnet or stream on Sportsnet+ ➡️ https://t.co/4KjbdjVctF pic.twitter.com/xY3v6hfz8r
Hutson's NCAA career didn't end the way he wanted, as he fell in the Frozen Four. However, he did win one tournament in 2024, earning a gold medal with Team USA in the World Juniors. Team USA dominated the tournament, inlcuding a 6-2 win in the gold medal game against Team Sweden.
Don’t you EVER touch Lane Hutson, BU superstar and Team USA World Juniors Champion, ever again pic.twitter.com/OFlYJBVNqV
— Kelsey Mihachik (@KelseyMihachik) January 5, 2024
Hutson has a bright future ahead of him on the Habs blueline. If 2024 was any indication, he will be a massive point contributor for Montreal and lead the offense from the backend. The possibility of a future powerplay with all the Habs talent and Hutson running the point should be enough excitement to get Habs fans through the remainder of the rebuild.