Not since Alex Galchenyuk or Jesperi Kotkaniemi have expectations for a top prospect's debut NHL season been as high as they will be going into the 2024-2025 season.
That is because of Lane Hutson, which generally wouldn't draw so much intrigue if you based things on his draft position. Hutson, was about 5'8" and 145 lbs when the Canadiens drafted him, which scared other teams away from picking him. But that didn't deter the Habs from taking a chance on the undersized, uber-skilled offensive-minded defender.
Lane is back to work in the lab
— The Habitant (@the_habitant) August 5, 2024
Gonna be a monster rookie season from him this year #GoHabsGo pic.twitter.com/LcDfyzEHGm
Surely anytime that Hutson takes to the ice, Habs fans will be excited about it, and naturally so, his first full NHL season is fast approaching. So, taking to the ice for the Bauer training camp, while it's more of a way for the brand to advertise its products is a reason for excitement. Without any highlights being released, you just know Hutson is loading up for a big season.
Loading up for a Calder winning season?
Any time that a prospect for the Canadiens dominates after being drafted, the fanbase will have high hopes for them. Hutson did exactly that, dominating during his draft plus-one and two seasons with the Boston University Terriers. The Canadiens haven't had a defenseman with the tangibles that Hutson possesses since PK Subban graced the Bell Centre ice, dashing up and down the ice like a gazelle.
Even when fans thought there might be a chance that Hutson wouldn't be able to do the things he did in the NCAA when he makes it to the NHL. But he did exactly that, holding on to the puck at the opposing blueline, while buying himself time with headfakes and stutter steps. Even with open space, Hutson elusive skating and elite vision made him a handful to defender against.
It was only a minimal sample size, but the confidence it takes to do the things Hutson does isn't a fluke. He has worked countless hours at his craft and it shows each time he takes to the ice. So, why wouldn't there be high hopes for him to take the NHL by storm, like many smaller defenders before him.
There is no saying that he is going to come in and instantly be a Quinn Hughes or Adam Fox on the Habs blueline, but he definitely has the talent to be the Habs number one offensive defender at some point in his career.