CMJ report: Lane Hutson is more than just an attacking defender

Over the past few days, Lane Hutson has helped the USA win the gold medal at the World Junior Championship. Naturally, for the little defender, it was a big moment.

We imagine he celebrated with Cutter Gauthier and his American teammates.

But what we couldn’t wait to find out was just how much winning gold would propel him to the highest heights in the NCAA. Because it’s one thing to dominate in the short term at an international tournament, but to achieve success over a full season is quite another.

And while we can’t predict the exact outcome of his season just yet, it’s safe to say that, on his return from Europe, the American has picked up where he left off.

Yesterday, in his return to the NCAA with BU, he helped his club defeat Northeastern by three points in a 4-3 overtime victory. He scored a mid-game goal and had two assists.

Things are going well for Hutson, who dominates on the ice, but they’re also going well for the Terriers, who have 13 wins and 18 games this season. They could play late this season, delaying Lane’s arrival in Quebec.

One of the reasons things are going so well is that Hutson has nine goals and 14 assists (23 points) in just 16 games this season.

He’s practically rolling at 1.5 points per game and clearly has a fighting chance of winning the prestigious Hobey-Baker, awarded to the NCAA’s best player.

Last year, he was considered, but didn’t win.

Among the Terriers, only one player has more points than Lane Hutson this season: forward Macklin Celebrini. The future first (potential) pick in the 2024 draft has 27 points in 16 games.

Otherwise, Hutson has more points than anyone else on his club… plus, he’s working on his defense. What more could you ask for?

In gusts

– Good question. Elias Pettersson’s contract will be the talk of the town.

– Marc Bergevin said it best: a club can never have too many defensemen.

– Will he go to San Francisco?

– 120 M (and more) for a coach?