Hockey

Lane Hutson ranked 19th best defenseman by NHL Network
Michaël Petit
Lane Hutson ranked 19th best defenseman by NHL Network
Credit: Getty Images

Lane Hutson has talent to spare, to say the least.Well, he doesn't have to sell it, but that's how much he's got.Rarely have we seen such electrifying defensemen, let alone in Montreal. Of course, the name P.K. Subban quickly comes to mind forshowmanship, but Hutson is in his own class. Subban quickly comes to mind for the spectacle, but Hutson is in a class of his own.It's good to see raw talent like Hutson's. Even though he's only had one season under his belt, he's made a lot of eyes glaze over this season, and many see him becoming one of the NHL's best offensive defensemen.

It seems a little early to say that, but his talent, his ease on the ice and his will to always improve will certainly make him an excellent defenseman. But where does he currently stand across the NHL? NHL Network has compiled its top-20 list of the league's best defensemen, and Hutson has broken through the ranks: he's ranked 19th.

Brock Faber rounds out the top-20: It just goes to show how much offensive talent the little Habs defenseman has to offer. Mikhail Sergachev, Devon Toews and Adam Fox are 18th, 17th and 16th respectively. But Hutson isn't just a one-dimensional player. He knows how to use his stick defensively, as well as being extremely intelligent in positioning himself and anticipating the play. Many wondered whether he would create a ton of turnovers and be a burden in his own zone. He's only 21, so there's no doubt he'll create turnovers, but he's far from being a defensive liability. Add to that his incredible, well above-average vision, a skating stroke that freezes opponents and velvet hands, and you've got quite an arsenal for a 21-year-old defenseman. He doesn't have a powerful shot, but he knows how to direct well-placed pucks towards the net to create chances.He's actually working on his shot this summer.

If he can improve his shot, he'll certainly be a threat and terrorize opposing players. With a better shot and experience, he'd certainly be a Norris Trophy contender sooner rather than later.

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