The Canadian | “I haven’t proven anything yet,” insists Lane Hutson

(Arlington, Virginia) At rookie camp and at the team’s main training camp, no one on the Canadiens will be under closer scrutiny than Lane Hutson in the coming weeks.

The small offensive defenseman, a real generator of highlights, is one of the rare rookies who could start the season in Montreal. As was the case for many others before him, we will wonder about him if, coming out of the university ranks, he is ready for the NHL or if he should not take a detour to the American League.

The organization, in any case, is doing nothing to moderate expectations for him. Hutson, in fact, is probably the member of the team who has been the most visible in recent days. He was one of only two players present, with Michael Pezzetta, at the Canadiens Children’s Foundation golf tournament. Then, in the following days, he signed collectibles at a public event.

That same Hutson was in Arlington, a suburb of Washington, this Wednesday to take part in the NHL Rookie Showcase, a gathering organized by the Players Association in partnership with hockey card manufacturer Upper Deck. He was one of some 35 prospects on site who notably took part in a photo shoot intended for the production of the first cards bearing their image. The Habs also sent Logan Mailloux.

In a media scrum, Hutson said he wasn’t taking anything for granted about his immediate future. “I haven’t proven anything yet,” he insisted. “There’s a lot to prove before I’m even close to being the face of the team. Just being here, being a part of the team, that would be great. I can’t wait for camp!”

Expectations for the 20-year-old have certainly changed since the Canadiens drafted him late in the second round (62^e overall) in 2022. The one whose small size seemed to scare clubs has become a prolific offensive producer in the NCAA, amassing 97 points in 77 games at Boston University.

This achievement allowed him to sign his first professional contract last spring and even play two games in the blue-white-red uniform. This limited sample allowed us to appreciate his sense of the game and his offensive flair. On the defensive side, however, he will have to work hard to show that he is ready for the NHL.

“Hard for everyone”

Without going all the way back to his physique, it must be admitted that his size is out of the ordinary for a player in his position. Although about thirty defensemen under 6′ played at least 10 games last season, Hutson would immediately become, at 5’9″ and some 160 lbs, the smallest defenseman in the league. Hence the other recurring question about him: will he be able to compete against forwards who outclass him by 30, 40, 50 lbs?

His two games with the Tricolore confirmed to him “how hard it is.”

“But it’s tough for everyone,” he said. “I’m going to stick to what I’ve done my whole life, which is defending with my speed and my stick. I’m going to learn what works and what doesn’t.”

He remains confident that the style that made his reputation in junior and university hockey will still serve him well in the pros.

“Guys are bigger, stronger and smarter, so some things might not work in the NHL,” he conceded. “But even if you move up a level, the game is still the same.”

Over the summer, he focused on getting “stronger and bigger,” but kept in mind not to change his body shape too quickly. “I don’t want to lose my speed by adding too much weight. Controlling the puck is part of my game, I don’t want to change that.”

As for whether he will start the campaign in Montreal or with the Laval Rocket in the American League in October, all predictions are equal.

To that end, last week, speaking to BPM Sports, general manager Kent Hughes didn’t get involved, but he explained to host Tony Marinaro that he “didn’t disagree” with the idea that Lane Hutson’s style is better suited to the NHL than the American League, where the game is rougher and more disjointed.

He did, however, insist that if the young man stayed in the metropolis, it was not to become strictly a power play specialist. “I don’t want to hide it,” the GM said, adding that he would give him to the Rocket if he believed that this is where he could develop more effectively.

“I’m open to whatever they think will be good for me,” the man in question retorted on Wednesday. [Jouer à Laval] It worked out well for Logan Mailloux, he developed well and learned a lot. I’m excited, no matter the situation.”

Perhaps more by one than the other, all the same.

Mailloux predicts a “good fight”

For months, we’ve been saying how much the Canadiens’ defense is set to change in the coming years, with the arrival at this position of several talented young players drafted by the organization. Logan Mailloux usually comes in, along with Lane Hutson and David Reinbacher, at the top of the list of “next” to make the jump to the NHL. The Ontarian sees himself getting there this fall, especially following the departures of Johnathan Kovacevic and Jordan Harris, traded during the summer. “It’s going to be a good battle in camp,” he predicted Wednesday in Arlington. “This healthy competition makes everyone better. It’s exciting!” With 47 points in his first season in the American League, Mailloux left a strong impression, but he knows he still has some scabs to eat in his zone. “My goal, in camp, is to show that I can face the best players on the other team,” he said. I learned last year how important consistency is. I think I’m ready.”

Flowers for Fowler

Jacob Fowler’s ears must have been ringing. Absent from the Rookie Showcase, the goalie drafted by the Canadiens in 2023 received a chorus of praise from forwards Will Smith and Cutter Gauthier, two of his teammates from last season at Boston College. “I don’t think people realize how good he is,” said Smith of the San Jose Sharks. “I’ve never felt so confident with a goalie before.” In his eyes, the Canadiens made a “steal” by selecting him in the third round (69^e overall) in the 2023 draft. “He’s the best goalie I’ve ever played with,” added Gauthier, of the Anaheim Ducks. “He’s a great goalie, you can see it in his game. If you make a mistake, it’s easy not to panic when you know he’s in front of the net.” Both spontaneously smiled when they heard the goalie’s name, and not without reason. “He’s unique,” ​​Gauthier added. “He’s quite a character, on and off the ice. He encourages everyone, he’s funny, it’s always fun to spend time with him.” At Boston College, Fowler posted a 32-6-1 record last season.