Prospect Info: Lane Hutson Part 2

[admiralcadillac]

It's always nice when one of our prospects stands out at the world juniors.

I really enjoyed Subban, Romanov, Poehling, Primeau, Martin Reway, Andrighetto, and Gallagher doing so. But I wasn't worried when Suzuki, Lehkonen, and McDonagh didn't (unlike Gainey in the later's case perhaps).

I remember Romanov’s tournament in particular

 

[bcv]

Fans are wrong at a much higher rate and when they are right it is often coincidence. Scouts differ on projections therefore only so many will end up being right. They rarely differ much on judging skating unlike internet posters who don't generally have a clue what they are talking about.

Scouts are fans that know people.

 

[JuJu Mobb]

Greatest offensive d-man in the history of hockey.

Several 100 points seasons, many Norris Trophies.

That's what I expect from Lane.

 

[Lafleurs Guy]

Greatest offensive d-man in the history of hockey.

Several 100 points seasons, many Norris Trophies.

That's what I expect from Lane.

This!

 

[jfm133]

I don't understand why there is so much hype on Hutson. It's like people forget what makes a good D in the NHL. Sorry, but the only D in the NHL with a frame similar to Hutson is Jared Spurgeon, especially being so light in the 160 ish pounds.

To me Hutson is the opposite of Jayden Struble, and Struble played his four years in the NCAA before turning pro, while being a very strong kid all along. Hutson is the opposite of that, and not very fast to compensate, so I don't see him turning pro next year. If he does, it will be a big mistake. Forget the offensive stats in the NCAA on a very good team. The pro game, even in the AHL, is something else. His moves that often work in the NCAA won't work so often in the pros, and he will be a target.

Look at Joshua Roy this year. He started really like a rocket, but then opposing teams took notice and it became much harder for him. His little fancy moves were countered. It will be the same for Hutson, and opposing teams will hit him as much as possible. I don't say he will not make it to the NHL, but he has an enormous challenge in front of him because of his small size and average skating.

If he cannot defend properly, he will be a specialist in the NHL at best. It is very important for him to get much stronger and concentrate on his defensive game before turning pro. We all know that he has a very high hockey IQ and very good hands, but you cannot make a career in the NHL only with that. Forget his stats and highlight plays in the NCAA and project him in the pro game with its 72-82 games schedule. Sorry, he will not be ready for that next year. Patience and hard work are required. I am not trying to say he has no chance to make it. I just try to be realistic.

 

[Lafleurs Guy]

I don't understand why there is so much hype on Hutson. It's like people forget what makes a good D in the NHL. Sorry, but the only D in the NHL with a frame similar to Hutson is Jared Spurgeon, especially being so light in the 160 ish pounds.

To me Hutson is the opposite of Jayden Struble, and Struble played his four years in the NCAA before turning pro, while being a very strong kid all along. Hutson is the opposite of that, and not very fast to compensate, so I don't see him turning pro next year. If he does, it will be a big mistake. Forget the offensive stats in the NCAA on a very good team. The pro game, even in the AHL, is something else. His moves that often work in the NCAA won't work so often in the pros, and he will be a target.

Look at Joshua Roy this year. He started really like a rocket, but then opposing teams took notice and it became much harder for him. His little fancy moves were countered. It will be the same for Hutson, and opposing teams will hit him as much as possible. I don't say he will not make it to the NHL, but he has an enormous challenge in front of him because of his small size and average skating.

If he cannot defend properly, he will be a specialist in the NHL at best. It is very important for him to get much stronger and concentrate on his defensive game before turning pro. We all know that he has a very high hockey IQ and very good hands, but you cannot make a career in the NHL only with that. Forget his stats and highlight plays in the NCAA and project him in the pro game with its 72-82 games schedule. Sorry, he will not be ready for that next year. Patience and hard work are required. I am not trying to say he has no chance to make it. I just try to be realistic.

Not gonna lie.

I’m pretty excited to see what he can do.

 

[WeThreeKings]

I prefer to be optimistic about a player until they prove they can't but I understand other people not wanting to hype anyone up until they perform.

 

[Lafleurs Guy]

I prefer to be optimistic about a player until they prove they can't but I understand other people not wanting to hype anyone up until they perform.

He’s also not joining the NHLthis year - or probably even next - and will continue to develop.

As for Roy he was killing it but is on a horrible team so that likely has something to do with it. I see no reason not to be at least a little excited about him too. Even if he’s just a second liner, he’s got great hands and vision.

 

[Habnot]

I don't understand why there is so much hype on Hutson. It's like people forget what makes a good D in the NHL. Sorry, but the only D in the NHL with a frame similar to Hutson is Jared Spurgeon, especially being so light in the 160 ish pounds.

To me Hutson is the opposite of Jayden Struble, and Struble played his four years in the NCAA before turning pro, while being a very strong kid all along. Hutson is the opposite of that, and not very fast to compensate, so I don't see him turning pro next year. If he does, it will be a big mistake. Forget the offensive stats in the NCAA on a very good team. The pro game, even in the AHL, is something else. His moves that often work in the NCAA won't work so often in the pros, and he will be a target.

Look at Joshua Roy this year. He started really like a rocket, but then opposing teams took notice and it became much harder for him. His little fancy moves were countered. It will be the same for Hutson, and opposing teams will hit him as much as possible. I don't say he will not make it to the NHL, but he has an enormous challenge in front of him because of his small size and average skating.

If he cannot defend properly, he will be a specialist in the NHL at best. It is very important for him to get much stronger and concentrate on his defensive game before turning pro. We all know that he has a very high hockey IQ and very good hands, but you cannot make a career in the NHL only with that. Forget his stats and highlight plays in the NCAA and project him in the pro game with its 72-82 games schedule. Sorry, he will not be ready for that next year. Patience and hard work are required. I am not trying to say he has no chance to make it. I just try to be realistic.

Some are always glass half empty around here....

They said the same thing about Quinn Hughes and they have the same frame. Quinn was such a liability defensively his first 3-4 years but he has improved significantly defensively. Hutson will need 2-3 to achieve his ceiling but he will get there. He's a special player.

As for Roy - even with his recent pace he's still almost a PPG. Give him a full year - he is also learning how o be a pro.

 

[Jaynki]

Players have historic offensive metrics for a D in the NCAA. Has extreme, superstar offensive skills.

HFHabs : I don't understand why there is so much hype on Hutson.

 

[Ozmodiar]

I don't understand why there is so much hype on Hutson. It's like people forget what makes a good D in the NHL. Sorry, but the only D in the NHL with a frame similar to Hutson is Jared Spurgeon, especially being so light in the 160 ish pounds.

To me Hutson is the opposite of Jayden Struble, and Struble played his four years in the NCAA before turning pro, while being a very strong kid all along. Hutson is the opposite of that, and not very fast to compensate, so I don't see him turning pro next year. If he does, it will be a big mistake. Forget the offensive stats in the NCAA on a very good team. The pro game, even in the AHL, is something else. His moves that often work in the NCAA won't work so often in the pros, and he will be a target.

Look at Joshua Roy this year. He started really like a rocket, but then opposing teams took notice and it became much harder for him. His little fancy moves were countered. It will be the same for Hutson, and opposing teams will hit him as much as possible. I don't say he will not make it to the NHL, but he has an enormous challenge in front of him because of his small size and average skating.

If he cannot defend properly, he will be a specialist in the NHL at best. It is very important for him to get much stronger and concentrate on his defensive game before turning pro. We all know that he has a very high hockey IQ and very good hands, but you cannot make a career in the NHL only with that. Forget his stats and highlight plays in the NCAA and project him in the pro game with its 72-82 games schedule. Sorry, he will not be ready for that next year. Patience and hard work are required. I am not trying to say he has no chance to make it. I just try to be realistic.

We all heard the same arguments about Quinn Hughes back in 2018.

Now he’s a team captain and on pace for 100 points.

 

[admiralcadillac]

I don't understand why there is so much hype on Hutson. It's like people forget what makes a good D in the NHL. Sorry, but the only D in the NHL with a frame similar to Hutson is Jared Spurgeon, especially being so light in the 160 ish pounds.

To me Hutson is the opposite of Jayden Struble, and Struble played his four years in the NCAA before turning pro, while being a very strong kid all along. Hutson is the opposite of that, and not very fast to compensate, so I don't see him turning pro next year. If he does, it will be a big mistake. Forget the offensive stats in the NCAA on a very good team. The pro game, even in the AHL, is something else. His moves that often work in the NCAA won't work so often in the pros, and he will be a target.

Look at Joshua Roy this year. He started really like a rocket, but then opposing teams took notice and it became much harder for him. His little fancy moves were countered. It will be the same for Hutson, and opposing teams will hit him as much as possible. I don't say he will not make it to the NHL, but he has an enormous challenge in front of him because of his small size and average skating.

If he cannot defend properly, he will be a specialist in the NHL at best. It is very important for him to get much stronger and concentrate on his defensive game before turning pro. We all know that he has a very high hockey IQ and very good hands, but you cannot make a career in the NHL only with that. Forget his stats and highlight plays in the NCAA and project him in the pro game with its 72-82 games schedule. Sorry, he will not be ready for that next year. Patience and hard work are required. I am not trying to say he has no chance to make it. I just try to be realistic.

Being negative doesn’t mean you’re being realistic. I’m not really sure I understand the point you’re trying to convey about a long schedule as if he wasn’t following the exact same path everyone else is.

He certainly has a skillset you don’t see in 99% of other d prospects.

 

[schwang26]

He’s also not joining the NHLthis year - or probably even next - and will continue to develop.

As for Roy he was killing it but is on a horrible team so that likely has something to do with it. I see no reason not to be at least a little excited about him too. Even if he’s just a second liner, he’s got great hands and vision.

It was a great start for Roy, but to be fair, the team got hit with some key injuries, let’s see how he does with Farrel and Anderson back now.

 

[SlafySZN]

Players have historic offensive metrics for a D in the NCAA. Has extreme, superstar offensive skills.

HFHabs : I don't understand why there is so much hype on Hutson.

In the Slaf thread we couldn’t be excited about him because he didn’t produce enough offensively in his league. Now, we can’t be excited about Hutson’s offensive talent because it’s ‘’just NCAA’’ and not the NHL yet.

 

[jfm133]

Quinn Hughes is listed at 180 lbs and is a much better skater. So if Hutson reaches one day 180 lbs and improves his skating significantly, then maybe the comparison could be made. But as I said, Hutson is not there yet. He needs to mature physically and work hard to get stronger. To me it's obvious.

Some are always glass half empty around here....

They said the same thing about Quinn Hughes and they have the same frame. Quinn was such a liability defensively his first 3-4 years but he has improved significantly defensively. Hutson will need 2-3 to achieve his ceiling but he will get there. He's a special player.

As for Roy - even with his recent pace he's still almost a PPG. Give him a full year - he is also learning how o be a pro.

 

[26Mats]

I don't understand why there is so much hype on Hutson. It's like people forget what makes a good D in the NHL. Sorry, but the only D in the NHL with a frame similar to Hutson is Jared Spurgeon, especially being so light in the 160 ish pounds.

To me Hutson is the opposite of Jayden Struble, and Struble played his four years in the NCAA before turning pro, while being a very strong kid all along. Hutson is the opposite of that, and not very fast to compensate, so I don't see him turning pro next year. If he does, it will be a big mistake. Forget the offensive stats in the NCAA on a very good team. The pro game, even in the AHL, is something else. His moves that often work in the NCAA won't work so often in the pros, and he will be a target.

Look at Joshua Roy this year. He started really like a rocket, but then opposing teams took notice and it became much harder for him. His little fancy moves were countered. It will be the same for Hutson, and opposing teams will hit him as much as possible. I don't say he will not make it to the NHL, but he has an enormous challenge in front of him because of his small size and average skating.

If he cannot defend properly, he will be a specialist in the NHL at best. It is very important for him to get much stronger and concentrate on his defensive game before turning pro. We all know that he has a very high hockey IQ and very good hands, but you cannot make a career in the NHL only with that. Forget his stats and highlight plays in the NCAA and project him in the pro game with its 72-82 games schedule. Sorry, he will not be ready for that next year. Patience and hard work are required. I am not trying to say he has no chance to make it. I just try to be realistic.

I agree that I don't want him to turn pro at the end of this NCAA season. I want him to get another year in college to keep bulking up.

But, Hughes said on record he wants Hutson to turn pro at the end of this NCAA season. They know more than I. So I'll hope for the best.

My biggest worry is he gets injuries early in his career that hamper his development and/or affect his mobility long term...

It's not like we don't have a surplus of young LD's that we're already going to have a hard time finding ice time for...

 

[Lafleurs Guy]

Quinn Hughes is listed at 180 lbs and is a much better skater. So if Hutson reaches one day 180 lbs and improves his skating significantly, then maybe the comparison could be made. But as I said, Hutson is not there yet. He needs to mature physically and work hard to get stronger. To me it's obvious.

Hutson isn’t even in the NHL yet. He’s going to add muscle before he gets here. I don’t see how you can’t be at least a little excited about what he’s doing. He’s crushed every record there is.

Let’s say he’s a notch below Quinn… we’d all still be thrilled.

 

[CHwest]

In the Slaf thread we couldn’t be excited about him because he didn’t produce enough offensively in his league. Now, we can’t be excited about Hutson’s offensive talent because it’s ‘’just NCAA’’ and not the NHL yet.

Be as excited as you like, it's your life. Just don't get upset when someone says "I'm not seeing it". I truly hope it works out, but right now I don't see him taking a regular shift. Sorry if you find that upsetting.

 

[Lafleurs Guy]

I agree that I don't want him to turn pro at the end of this NCAA season. I want him to get another year in college to keep bulking up.

But, Hughes said on record he wants Hutson to turn pro at the end of this NCAA season. They know more than I. So I'll hope for the best.

My biggest worry is he gets injuries early in his career that hamper his development and/or affect his mobility long term...

It's not like we don't have a surplus of young LD's that we're already going to have a hard time finding ice time for...

Im hoping he’s in the AHL next year.

 

[SlafySZN]

Be as excited as you like, it's your life. Just don't get upset when someone says "I'm not seeing it". I truly hope it works out, but right now I don't see him taking a regular shift. Sorry if you find that upsetting.

Those people doesn’t want anyone to be excited or positive because THEY aren’t. It’s not the same thing.

 

[Lafleurs Guy]

Be as excited as you like, it's your life. Just don't get upset when someone says "I'm not seeing it". I truly hope it works out, but right now I don't see him taking a regular shift. Sorry if you find that upsetting.

Sure.

But if you don’t ‘see it’ with a player who’s breaking records then I’m not sure what you’re seeing.

I mean, you can argue that Tie Domi’s better than Gretzky if you want but others are free to challenge you on it. If you can’t back up what you’re saying then you’re going to hear it.

 

[Naslundforever]

Be as excited as you like, it's your life. Just don't get upset when someone says "I'm not seeing it". I truly hope it works out, but right now I don't see him taking a regular shift. Sorry if you find that upsetting.

I want to see him take shifts on the hab pp at the end of the season whatever the output to celebrate life and sports, because curious and because why the eff not lol

If it works it’s great, If he’s a train wreck and needs 2 years in the ahl that’s fine too. I hate vanilla safe hockey so outliers like him coming up is cool. One Xjekaj one Hutson… That’s 4 spots left for “vanilla”. Lots of D still coming up the ranks…

 

[Mrb1p]

In the Slaf thread we couldn’t be excited about him because he didn’t produce enough offensively in his league. Now, we can’t be excited about Hutson’s offensive talent because it’s ‘’just NCAA’’ and not the NHL yet.

Slafs and Hutsons situation are very different. Nobody denies Hutson and Slaf have tremendous upside. Hutson has produced everywhere but it remains to be seen if his package is good enough to do so at the NHL level, because of his size and skating limitations. Slaf has produced nowhere but his size and skill combination make him a worthwhile project to be of tremendous value in the future.

 

[SannywithoutCompy]

I've said it before, but if people read the Adam Fox threads on the prospect board they read word for word like the threads on Hutson. I'm not worried, he's going to be elite.

 

[CHwest]

Sure.

But if you don’t ‘see it’ with a player who’s breaking records then I’m not sure what you’re seeing.

I mean, you can argue that Tie Domi’s better than Gretzky if you want but others are free to challenge you on it. If you can’t back up what you’re saying then you’re going to hear it.

Well, I see an undersized player that struggles skating backwards who is over the top offensively gifted. He owns the NCAA. But because of size and skating I am having doubts it will translate to the "show". No doubt he will be awesome on the PP, it's the 5 on 5 I have reservations about.