Every year at the NHL draft, there are questions about players under six feet tall:
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Will they succeed in the NHL?
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Are they too small for physical play and net-front battles?
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Is their talent exceptional enough to overcome their size?
These questions were asked about players like Alex DeBrincat, Cole Caufield, and others, who all became successful NHL players due to their skill.
In 2022, similar doubts surrounded Lane Hutson. Despite being recognized as the most skilled defenseman in the draft, scouts debated if his abilities would translate to the NHL. Some even doubted him due to his size. One scout suggested he would have been a top-5 pick if he were taller.
Now, it`s clear that Hutson would indeed be a top pick in a redraft. He has proven his doubters wrong and shown Montreal what he brings to the team`s future.
JUST HOW SKILLED is Lane Hutson? He is the top rookie scorer and has the most assists among rookies since 2017-2018. He is a key offensive player for Montreal, ranking high among NHL defensemen in shot assists.
This shouldn`t be a surprise. Even before the draft, he led prospects in many offensive categories while playing for the U.S. National Team Development Program.
In the current season, Hutson is second in the NHL for end-to-end rushes by a defenseman, only behind Quinn Hughes and ahead of Cale Makar. He drives Montreal`s offense with his puck-moving ability, ranking in the top 10 in zone exits and entries, consistent with his pre-draft statistics.
It was logical to expect his skating and transition skills to translate to the NHL. His skating is exceptional, comparable to Hughes and Makar, who are considered the best skating defensemen.
Statistically, Hutson ranks high in expected goals created through passing and passes to high-danger areas. His power-play contributions could have been even greater if given more opportunity earlier in the season.
Hutson excels at both creating plays for teammates and generating his own scoring chances. He ranks high among defensemen in scoring chances and offensive zone possession time, alongside elite players like Hughes and Makar.
Montreal`s improved performance and playoff contention are linked to Hutson`s improved defensive play. After a negative plus-minus earlier in the season, his improved defensive impact has coincided with the team`s rise in standings. While plus-minus isn`t the only measure of defense, it is an indicator.
Early in his rookie season, defensive mistakes were noticeable, raising concerns about his NHL defense. However, Hutson has used his skating in defensive transitions, reducing time in the defensive zone and chances against.
DEVELOPMENT FOR DEFENSEMEN takes time, and mistakes are common as they adjust to the NHL, especially for players with significant roles like Hutson who plays almost 23 minutes a game and handles the puck often. More puck possession means more turnover opportunities.
Defensemen with high turnover numbers often include top offensive players like Erik Karlsson and others. This is not due to carelessness but frequent puck handling. Turnover rate relative to possession time would be a better measure of puck responsibility.
Hutson does have turnovers, but his offensive contributions outweigh them. Beyond transition defense, he`s improved in his own zone, taking better routes to contain opponents and using his skating effectively. He has also simplified his puck play to limit breakout turnovers.
These improvements have reduced defensive zone time and chances against. Hutson has been contributing positively to scoring chances since February, and this trend is important for his continued development. While already a top offensive defenseman, his future success depends on consistently outperforming opponents in scoring chances when he`s on the ice.
Hutson`s rookie season is remarkable and historic. He ranks high in assists and points among NHL defensemen and has been involved in a significant portion of Montreal`s goals. He has distinguished himself as the top rookie this year.
While sophomore slumps are common for defensemen, Hutson has already defied expectations about size, and he may also defy the sophomore slump.
Hutson is already a top offensive defenseman, and opponents will strategize against him like they do against Makar and Hughes. If he keeps winning the scoring chance battle despite this, Montreal could have a top-5 NHL defenseman for years to come.
