From Late Draft Pick to First Round Potential: The Hutson Brothers' NHL Journey

2023-12-14 15:13:22

If we had to redo the 2022 draft with 18 months of hindsight, Lane Hutson would not be a 62nd pick in the draft. He would definitely be drafted in the first round.

We know: his measurements meant that he waited longer than he should before being drafted. Several teams did not want to take a chance in his case.

But did you know that it bothers him, being drafted so late? Even more: did you know that it serves as motivation for his entire family?

Cole Caufield Hutson, Lane’s little brother, is a defender who is somewhat in the same mold as his big brother. The left-hander is eligible for the next draft and he hopes not to wait as long as Lane to get drafted.

He says his entire family took it personally that Lane waited until the end of the second round to hear his name called for the 2022 draft. It serves as motivation for everyone.

That’s what Nicolas Cloutier, from TVA Sportswe learn on the sidelines of his conversation with Cole Hutson.

Cole Hutson is out for revenge. When his brother Lane slipped in the 2022 draft, it became a personal matter for the whole family.

Cole also admits to having spoken with the Canadiens this season. All the details in 1400 words ????

— Nicolas Cloutier (@NCloutierTVA) December 14, 2023

I hope to get revenge for what happened to him. My goal is to be drafted in the first round. –Cole Hutson

I can’t say I thought the whole family thought that way. Being a parent of a second-round NHL prospect, it seems to me that I wouldn’t take it personal and I would try not to transfer that energy onto my children.

But I’m not in that position.

But OK. One thing is certain, in any case: Cole Hutson does not lack confidence in himself and in his brother. He’s not afraid to say that his brother is unique and single-handedly changing the game.

And clearly, Cole sees himself (a little) in Lane.

Every team would like to have Lane now, after shunning him. And I’m the player who looks the most like him. –Cole Hutson

Since he was drafted, Lane Hutson has continued to impress. The left-handed defenseman, who slipped in the draft due to his size, is getting points by the ton in college.

Sending him back to the NCAA for a second season (before presumably making the jump to the pros in a few months) has the effect of preparing him for the NHL.

#GoHabsGo GM Kent Hughes is hoping Lane Hutson can handle the pressure to deliver in Montreal.

Full pod????
Watch: https://t.co/AbdGozvnwG
Listen: https://t.co/xYC0ZiWGCS #NHL #thesickpodcast @MurphysLaw74 pic.twitter.com/nEWuQYpqoZ

— The Sick Podcast – The Eye Test (@sickpodnhl) December 12, 2023

And in light of Cole’s comments about family, I have a feeling his mental preparation must be important.

For what? Because a player must indeed have a motivation to guide him to the highest heights, but he must also make sure that he is not playing simply for revenge. Otherwise, he will get out of his game… especially in a market like Montreal.

The Hutsons know they are small and that’s why they have to deal with situations like the draft. But they also know that in today’s NHL, there is room for guys like them.

The Canadian, coached by Martin St-Louis and whose two best attackers are not physical monsters, are a good example of this, precisely. And that’s good: Lane Hutson belongs to CH.

Let us note precisely, as also reported by Nicolas Cloutierthat the Canadian has already chatted a little with Cole Hutson, who hopes to be drafted in the first round during the 2024 auction.

CH doesn’t need another (small) left-handed defender, but who knows…

A lot of

– Reinforcement in Laval.

The Rocket recalls Jakov Novak and Alex-Olivier Voyer in time for the club’s departure on the road this morning. Laval will play at Allentown tomorrow, at Hershey on Saturday and at Syracuse next Wednesday.

— Anthony Marcotte (@anthonymarcotte) December 14, 2023

– Interesting.

Aspiring teams seem to have mourned Tristan Luneau. The Tigers would have won the bet.

The details :

— Mikaël Lalancette (@MikLalancette) December 14, 2023

– Good point.

A hockey player evolves greatly from 15 to 19 years old. In January 2020, Hockey Canada selected 17 players aged 15 for the Youth Olympic Games. Of these 17, 5 are retained with ECJ: Luneau, Warren, Mateychuk, Danielson, Savoie (Fantilli is at CLB) #development #GrowthMindset

— Marc-André Dumont (@MADumontHockey) December 14, 2023

– On suit sa progression.