The decision of the NCAA judging committee to dismiss Lane Hutson from the finalists for the Hobey Baker Trophy in favor of the hope of the Toronto Maple Leafs Matthew Knies is far from unanimous on the web.
There have been many reactions on Twitter since this announcement made on March 30.
Hutson, the Montreal Canadiens’ second-round pick (62nd overall) last draft, had a historic season with Boston University by smashing Brian Leetch’s mark for most NCAA points by a defenseman under 19. years.
Many are indignant that Knies, an attacker, is preferred to Hutson, a defender, while the latter has accumulated superior offensive statistics. Hutson had seven more points than Knies and scored just six fewer goals.
Internet users cry foul and deplore the preferential treatment reserved for the hopes of the Maple Leafs.
“Knies wouldn’t even be close to being considered a finalist if he wasn’t a Leafs prospect. A pure theft!”, protested one of them.
“Even as a Senators fan, not having Hutson among the finalists is impossible for me to understand,” wrote the “SENS CRAVE” Twitter user.
“The Leafs have invested in the NCAA recently?” quipped another user of the social network.
However, the criteria taken into consideration for the presentation of the NCAA Most Valuable Player Trophy tend to put into perspective this decision deemed controversial by the public court.
Indeed, performance on the ice is only one of the criteria evaluated by the selection committee according to the NCAA website. Character, on and off the rink, and academic results also weigh in the balance.
While most pundits agree to give Hutson the edge when it comes to athletic performance, Knies may well have scored plenty of points in the other rating columns.