Hockey

I think Lane Hutson will be better than Quinn Hughes
Jonathan Di Gregorio
I think Lane Hutson will be better than Quinn Hughes
Credit: Getty Images

Lane Hutson has just had an incredible first season in the NHL.

In his rookie season, his 66 points allowed him to beat the mark of Chris Chelios for the most points (64) for a rookie defenseman with the Canadiens, in addition to equaling that of Larry Murphy for the most assists with 60 for a rookie defenseman in league history.

Hutson is the favorite to win the Calder trophy, having earned more points than anyone, including forwards like Matvei Michkov and Macklin Celebrini, who both earned 63 points in their first season.

Hutson's 66 points are also 53 more than the next best rookie defenseman.

Moreover, the young defenseman is one of the main reasons the Canadiens are currently in the playoffs. His game vision and puck control make him a threat every time he's on the ice, and he's managed to transform the Habs' offense.

Not bad for a 21-year-old.

In fact, according to Pierre McGuire, Lane Hutson will be better than Quinn Hughes.

In this excerpt, McGuire also compares the way the Habs defenseman controls the game to that of Brian Leetch, no less!

Going back to Hughes, it's still a big statement because he's currently one of the best defensemen in the league. Not to mention he had a 92-point season in 2023-2024.

And if we compare the two players after their rookie season? Both defensemen had played a few games with their respective teams before starting their rookie season.

Hughes played 5 and then 68 games, earning a total of 56 points, or 0.82 points per game.

On the other hand, Hutson had 2 and then 82 games for a total of 68 points, or 0.81 points per game.

It's very similar.

And I think it's a very good sign for Hutson. It's hard to say if he'll be “better” than Hughes at this point in his career, but I'd be happy with “almost as good” as Hughes, that's already a good start!


Overtime

– It's still tight!

– The choice has fallen!

– The Rocket won 5-4 in overtime.

– The Jets are coming back!

– Not a great stat for the Leafs.

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