BOSTON — What if the Canadiens had hit a home run by drafting Lane Hutson in the last draft?
Officially listed at 5-foot-9 and 147 pounds in July, the American defenseman, despite excellent numbers last year in the American development program, waited until the second round before hearing his name. It was ultimately Montreal who, with the 62nd right to speak, “dared” to add the left-back to their bank of hopes.
See, in the main video, a complete report following the visit of TVA Sports in the daily life of the young man, in Boston.
However, history (think in particular of Cole Caufield!) shows more and more often that a player’s size should not, on its own at least, be a non-selection factor. Especially in the case of skaters with obvious talent.
And talent, Hutson has it in spades.
At 18 and in his very first season in the NCAA, he is, as of today, the defenseman with the best points per game average (17 in 14, 1.21). It’s big. Very big.
And beyond the production aspect, the hope of the CH also stands out thanks to his style of play. Speed, pivots and multiple changes of direction, feints, audacity in the offensive zone … A profile that is not found anywhere else among the other members of the next generation of the Habs on the blue line.
Photo credit: Boston University
“Offensively, he is completely elsewhere (off the chart), launches without restraint his coach at Boston University Jay Pandolfo, who has nevertheless seen snow with his 899 games in the National League.
“In training, he does stuff that makes us all shake our heads. Sometimes we look at it and we just laugh heartily at how spectacular it is. He is passionate and always looking for ways to be better.”
His teammate Luke Tuch goes in the same direction.
“Lane is amazing. One of the most skilled players I have ever played with. Something happens every time he touches the puck. He will be a great player for the Canadians.”
Pas Schwarzenegger, mais…
Fun fact: Hutson, when he steps outside the beautiful Boston University Terriers locker room for the interview, looks a lot bigger than when he was drafted.
“I now weigh 161 pounds,” he confirms proudly.
“I’ve been training hard in the gym since July. Deadlifts and pull-ups in particular come up very often in my training routine. I eat a lot more than before, too. Lots of protein and carbs.”
And on the ice, he is far from looking tiny. Moreover, both during the match and during the training which TVA Sports attended, Hutson never appeared physically dominated. Quite the contrary.
In the footsteps of Makar?
Most recently, Cale Makar became the fastest defenseman in NHL history to amass 200 points. The one that many describe as the best defender of his generation achieved the feat in 195 small games.
Earlier, you read that Hutson is currently producing at 1.21 points per game in the NCAA. Take the information as you see fit, but at the same age and in the same circuit, Makar for his part posted a ratio of 0.60 points / game. In other words, the Habs prospect is producing twice as much as the Avalanche’s No. 8 did at the time.
Knowing this and while several experts and amateurs have compared the style of play of the two skaters in recent months, it would have been criminal not to question the back of Boston University on the subject.
“What do you think of these comparisons?”
Hutson’s response says a lot about his current level of confidence.
“I believe I can match Cale Makar’s level of play. Time will tell, but I feel like I can deliver the kind of elements he brings.”
It is said. And with confidence, too.
Speaking of confidence, Lane Hutson had a very clear message for the leaders of the Canadiens.
Listen to it in the report at the top of the article.