Olympic replacement: Lane Hutson ignored once again

Charles-Alexis Brisebois
Olympic replacement: Lane Hutson ignored once again
Credit: Getty Images

Yesterday, the Canadiens tweeted Hockey USA (and thus Bill Guerin) to wake up. It was following a Cole Caufield goal, but on a pass from Lane Hutson, who was having a big game.

But the message obviously didn't get through.

In fact, Lane Hutson was again ignored by his country this lunchtime after dominating against the Wild last night. Seth Jones won't be going to Italy after all, so Jackson LaCombe has been named as his replacement.

LaCombe isn't a bad defender, of course. But one wonders to what extent the Americans considered choosing the best (blue-line) scorer born in the United States.

Are they afraid of Hutson's size? That his father would take up too much space?

We agree that it has to do with the size of the Habs defenseman. Bill Guerin chose Quinn Hughes (and that's fine), but he doesn't necessarily want a second small defenseman.

Adam Fox was also passed over a second time, by the way. I'm not surprised in either case: I'm more… amazed.

Understandably, the Florida Panthers have reminded us all of the importance of being pesky and “hard to play against” on the blue line in recent years.

But ignoring talent is a huge risk. We also say hello to Cole Caufield and Jason Robertson.

At this point, the Habs just have to hope that this motivates their players to give more for the NHL's future and that the February rest does some good.

And if it does… it's the Canadiens who will benefit.


overtime

– The Frenchman was a real extra this morning. It's safe to assume he won't be playing tomorrow.

– Here we go.

– Interesting.

– Of note.

– Oh.

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