The start of the Habs’ season has been rough, but there are some bright spots. Fans can celebrate Cole Caufield, who is currently leading the league in goals, and appreciate the skills of young player Lane Hutson. His every play elicits excitement from the crowd, and he’s off to a strong start with 10 points in 16 games.
There’s been talk about possibly sending Hutson to the Laval Rocket, a suggestion made by TSN analyst Jeff O’Neill on the show OverDrive. This isn’t a critique of Hutson but rather a comment on the Canadiens’ current situation. O’Neill believes that Hutson could thrive in the AHL and should avoid the negative atmosphere surrounding the Canadiens, which could affect his development. Both Bryan Hayes and former NHL goalie Jamie McLennan supported this view, and hockey insider Chris Johnston also mentioned that a move to Laval wouldn’t be detrimental.
Examining how losing cultures can hinder rebuilding teams, such as the Buffalo Sabres, this suggestion becomes more relevant. Laval is currently performing well under the skilled coaching of Pascal Vincent, who has a track record of developing young talent like those in the Winnipeg Jets system. If the Canadiens’ management, led by Hughes and Gorton, considers O’Neill’s advice, Vincent could help elevate Hutson’s game.
The enthusiasm of rookies is vital for their growth, and losing that zeal can be hard to recover. While I’m not advocating for Hutson’s immediate move to Laval, it’s something to think about if circumstances change. The management duo needs to remain vigilant to ensure Hutson maintains his passion and avoids picking up any negative habits from veteran players.
We have a valuable player in Hutson, and it would be wise to help him start his professional journey positively.
