Lane Hutson, a talented young defenseman for the Montreal Canadiens, has made a significant impact in his inaugural NHL season. Defying the typical hurdles faced by shorter defenders, Hutson showcases his potential as a key player for the Canadiens in the future. With superior puck-handling skills, agility, and strong family support, he almost didn’t join the Canadiens. Here are eight lesser-known facts about this emerging star.
### Defying the “Undersized” Stereotype with High Potential
Standing at 5-foot-9 and weighing 162 lbs, Hutson has encountered doubt about his viability as an NHL defenseman due to his size. He now holds the title as the lightest player in the league, a distinction he inherited after Matthews Phillips returned to the AHL. Drafted 62nd overall in the 2022 NHL Draft, concerns were raised about whether his NCAA success could carry over to the NHL. Despite some initial struggles on defense, Hutson’s elite skating, dynamic playstyle, and smooth transitions have stood out.
Although he is smaller than the NHL average weight of around 198 lbs, Hutson’s skills and growing defensive game are helping him mitigate size-related disadvantages, allowing him to effectively command the ice and initiate breakouts.
### Leading the Canadiens in Ice Time
Incredibly, Hutson leads the Canadiens with an average ice time of 23:11 per game, ranking among the top 20 NHL defensemen in even-strength minutes. At just 20 years old, he has demonstrated the ability to handle significant ice time, occasionally exceeding 30 minutes in games like the recent match against the Kings.
His ice time reflects his capability not just to contribute offensively (with five assists in 10 games), but also indicates that the Canadiens rely on him as a primary defenseman. Despite extensive skating across all zones, he displays remarkable endurance, making a strong case for Calder Trophy consideration.
### Award-Winning Career Projections by EA Sports
EA Sports predictions suggest a bright future for Hutson, with projections indicating he could accumulate 1,384 points (339 goals) throughout a lengthy career, while also winning multiple awards, including three Norris Trophies, a Hart Trophy, and the Conn Smythe Trophy as playoff MVP.
Additionally, the simulation anticipates Hutson lifting the Stanley Cup twice, potentially positioning him among the league’s greatest defensemen historically, although these are merely projections.
### Medal-Winning International Performance
Hutson has an impressive track record with the United States national team at the World Junior Championships, earning medals in three consecutive tournaments. Following a silver medal with eight assists in six games, he participated in the U20 competition, where he scored his first goal and collected a bronze in 2023, followed by a gold medal in 2024.
During the 2024 tournament, he recorded six assists and a +8 rating while averaging 23:58 of ice time over seven games, earning a spot on the All-Star team and recognition as one of Team USA’s top three players.
### Record-Setting Freshman Year at Boston University
Before joining the Canadiens, Hutson had a standout freshman year at Boston University. In the 2022-23 season, he led his team in scoring with 48 points over 38 games, becoming the highest-scoring defenseman in BU history. Over his NCAA career, he netted 30 goals and 67 assists for a total of 97 points in 77 games. Maintaining a plus-25 rating in his first season and a plus-14 in the following year, Hutson solidified his status as one of the NCAA’s premier players, likely going down as one of the best defensemen in Boston University’s history.
### A Hockey-Centric Family
Lane Hutson is the oldest of four brothers, three of whom play hockey. His brothers Quinn and Cole also play collegiate ice hockey at Boston University, while Cole was drafted 43rd overall by the Washington Capitals in 2024. Both brothers were part of the United States National Team Development Program (USNTDP) before joining BU.
To support his transition into the NHL, Lane invited his mother to live with him in Montreal, which has proven beneficial for his adaptation to both the high-level competition and new life circumstances. According to Stu Cowan of the Montreal Gazette, she has come to enjoy her time in Montreal.
### Part of a Select Group of Michigan-Born Canadiens
Born in Holland, Michigan, Hutson became the 12th player from his state to compete for the Canadiens, making his debut in April 2024. Jeff Petry holds the record for most points among Michigan-born players for the Canadiens, and Hutson aims to join that esteemed group.
With his promising start, he might soon be among the top-scoring Michigan-born players for Montreal. Historical players from Michigan include James Wisniewski, Greg Pateryn, and others, including his current teammate, Cayden Primeau.
### Fact: Hutson Nearly Missed Joining the Canadiens
Lane Hutson’s opportunity with the Canadiens almost slipped away due to the trade of Brett Kulak to the Edmonton Oilers. While Kulak’s solid defensive play helped propel the Oilers, the trade included a conditional second-round pick that hinged on their playoff success. Had the Oilers made the Stanley Cup Final while Duncan Keith met certain playtime conditions, this pick would have been delayed. However, the Oilers fell short in the conference finals, allowing the Canadiens to utilize the 2022 pick to secure Hutson.
