|
In Hainsight: Hutson Looking Good at the World’s |
|
|
|
|
|
Follow me @KarineHains for all updates about the Montreal Canadiens and women's hockey
If Lane Hutson had been taller, he would have been a first-round pick but thankfully for the Montreal Canadiens, he was listed as 5’8’’ prior to the draft and he slipped to selection 62 where the Habs were able to pick him up, thanks to the pick they got from Edmonton in return for Brett Kulak. After years of having heavy, punishing blue lines, “guys that were tough to play against” as Marc Bergevin used to say, the Hutson selection was a welcome change of pace.
He spent the last season at Boston university where he put up record setting numbers and he’s now playing for the USA at the World Championships. The diminutive defender is now listed at 5’10’’ and in America’s 4-1 win over Austria on Wednesday he was named player of the game thanks to a highlight-reel worthy goal and an assist.
His skating ability was on full display with his goal as he turned on the jets to fly in between defenders and make his way to the goaltender to flick a backhander putting Team USA ahead 3-1. Granted, the opponent was hardly a powerhouse team, and they don’t have the level of talent which you can expect day-in, day-out in the NHL, but still, it was nonetheless an impressive display.
Clearly, Hutson won’t be joining the Canadiens right away, he still has some growing up to do both in a literal and implied meaning, but if he can have another spectacular season in the NCAA the Canadiens will be more than happy to welcome him to the team. There’s no doubt that he’s one of the most exciting defense prospects the team has had in many years. Shame he’s not right-handed, but nobody’s perfect.
Given the proper development time, I’m convinced that Lane Hutson will be a very important part of the Montreal Canadiens for years to come, it’s only a matter of waiting for his time to make the jump to the NHL to arrive. Hang tight Habs’ fans, it will be worth the wait.
Montreal Canadiens Blogger • 
Join the Discussion:
»