It promises for Hutson | NHL.com
MONTREAL — When Marie-Philip Poulin was asked what stood out to her the most during development camp, Lane Hutson’s game was at the top of her list.
SHOP: Canadiens Red Cap Water Bottle
It’s not so surprising, however.
The 18-year-old defenseman wowed the gallery on the South Shore, he who seemed to have the wind in his sails on the ice, making plays like this without an ounce of difficulty:
« I was very impressed with the way he moved the puck and saw the game, » said Poulin, player development consultant, after watching Hutson play his game for three days. “We all know he’s talented and very fast, but he competes all the time, too. We see him in his defensive recesses, when he comes back, he is always first on the puck, he wants to be there and he wants to make a difference. It was very impressive. »
The Holland, Michigan native was selected in the second round (62nd overall) last month after enjoying a stellar season with the U.S. National Under-18 Team.
His 63 points (10G, 53A) in 60 games is the second-highest single-season total by a defenseman in NTDP history.
Hutson was also named the best defender of the 2022 World Under-18 Championship, helping his compatriots to the silver medal.
There’s no doubt that the future Boston University freshman offers much more than one would expect from his 5’8″ and 158lb stature.
The co-director of amateur recruiting Nick Bobrov elaborated on the subject after the Draft.
“This kid has a good brain. His sense of hockey is very interesting. He has something to prove. Its size does not discourage it and, by talking to it, we get a good idea of what it has inside. Often what he does on the ice is worthy of highlights; his play on the power play, his way of thinking, of finding holes, plays to be made, passing lanes, etc. You have to get defenders like him because it’s hard to find them, praised Bobrov. We see a future full of hope for him. He will have plenty of time to develop, and we hope he has a good year. We are excited. »
Despite his current size, Hutson is confident he can be an efficient and productive NHL player one day.
And it goes without saying that Luke Tuch, another Habs prospect who is also part of the Terriers’ ranks, will be eager to train with the newcomer to the Boston University gym.
“I know I can get bigger, stronger, faster and even taller. It’s something that will come with age. I think somehow I’m going to be able to play the way I do now,” Hutson said. It’s all about how you play, not how big you are. I have the impression that, once on the ice, everyone is the same size. »
This approach, combined with his statistics and accomplishments, earned him the 2022 E.-J.-McGuire Award of Excellence, given to the Draft prospect who best embodies dedication through strength of the competition and the level of athleticism.
The bottom line is that Hutson knows what works well for him, and he sticks to it.
« I take great pride in my defensive game, the way I skate and use my stick to my advantage, and use my leverage against bigger guys, » Hutson said. Then I think I have an attacking ability that helps my team create chances. »
Video: Lane Hutson on being drafted 62nd overall
Regardless, he intends to make key adjustments to his game within the NCAA ranks.
In this line, it will be interesting to see the progress of Hutson during his first year of university.
« I love passing the puck, and that’s something I’m proud of, but I think if I can develop a shooter mentality, it will push teams on their heels, which will make me a much better person. great offensive threat, » Hutson pointed out. Then, defensively, I want to know better when to close the game. Sometimes I get excited and want to close the game immediately, but you have to be calm and close when possible and when it’s smart to do so. »
