Epic Calder Race 2024-25

[My3Sons]

I figured I'd respond to my 3 fellow Habs fans who are all choosing Celebrini. I wouldn't be so quick to overlook Hutson, especially with Montreal's successes.

First 21 games - Hutson 11 points, pace of 43 points in 82 games. Habs are dead last in East, at the important milestone date of US Thanksgiving, which is when experts usually "call" seasons and playoff races.

Next 37 games - Huston 32 points, pace of 71 points in 82 games. Habs with the 13th best record in the NHL in that stretch, and back in the playoff hunt. In those 37 games, he is 4th in scoring among defenseman in the league.

I think it's a lot easier to tie team success in Montreal with Hutson's performances than it is for Celebrini, and I think that could come into play by season's end, especially with Celebrini also missing ~10 games or so.

I do agree that all 3 players are fantastic, and it's also still possible for any of them to go "off" in the remaining 20 games. But I do think if season ended today, Hutson remains in the lead. And I think if Montral qualifies for playoffs, or even comes super close to it - it will just help boost Huston's chances further.

That's an interresting correlation and I had the same thought. Hard to say to what degree it is causation but an argument can certainly be made that the Habs rise and fall with how well Hutson plays.

 

[Barrie22]

While Celebrini plays a pretty complete game, he still needs to refine it based on learning what works at the NHL level. Case in point, last night he lost a puck in the NZ that went back for a scoring chance against. The move that led to the lost puck likely worked at every level he has played at, but NHL players are better.

He is also still sub-50% on face-off wins, so improving details of the game like that.

And celebrini can also learn how to do things more efficiently, right now he is like a rabid dog and uses a lot of energy just puck hounding. The other game against the flames there was a part where he was doing suicides for a good 5 seconds chasing after a flame bringing the puck up the ice, he made the transition for the flames harder but he spent so much energy to not even end up with the puck.

 

[wetcoast]

When you are the best, they don't call you great; they call you Lane Hutson

I hear that they are actually thinking of renaming the Calder to the Hutson trophy.

Of course when CC has his next scoring surge talk of Maurice Richard will begin again too......