Player Discussion Lane Hutson Part 2

[montreal]

I think Adam Fox count.

he shouldn't since he forced the trade by saying he won't sign so it's not like they traded him because they gave up on him, they had to get something vs losing him for nothing.

 

[Lafleurs Guy]

We won't trade Hutson, no player with that much potential has ever been traded before playing in the NHL. Yes it's only potential (there's so much question marks), but it's immense.

*cue multiple exemples of super stars who were traded before playing pro*

Peter Forsberg comes to mind. Of course though it was… Lindros.

 

[Hannibal]

If the right offer comes up and we can cash in big time of Hutson high value, i’ll be tempted.

Since, i’m still skeptical of him reaching the potential we see in him. Still, can’t wait to see him turn pro and see what kind of player he’ll be.

 

[Tyson]

A ultra skilled player but in Hab land we vastly over-rate our prospects. I will wait to see him playing against pros before making a judgement. He was picked 62nd for a reason.

 

[morhilane]

Not really since he was a pending UFA and informing teams he wouldn't sign with them.

Fox was still traded before playing a single game in the NHL, which was the only condition in the post I responded to.

Also, the first trade he was in was an NHL hockey trade: Dougie Hamilton + Fox's rights (+Ferland) moved to Carolina in return of Hanafin and Lindholm. Which is the kind of trade you expect Hutson would be in if traded.

 

[Lafleurs Guy]

If the right offer comes up and we can cash in big time of Hutson high value, i’ll be tempted.

Since, i’m still skeptical of him reaching the potential we see in him. Still, can’t wait to see him turn pro and see what kind of player he’ll be.

If it’s a Cellebrini? Great. A legit projected number one? Sure. But I wouldn’t want it to be a package or a smaller forward or whatever - it’s gotta be a legit top shel center prospect.

Is Hutson going to fetch Cellebrini? Probably not. So I don’t think there’s much to talk about. I hope we hang onto this guy. Love the skills and the heart. You don’t trade those guys away. He’s worth the risk.

 

[Don D]

I like Hutson and Struble. Two different players with different skill sets. Habs should keep both as well as Guhle. They may become cornerstones, but one can never really know with prospects. If you want to keep Arber, the others can eventually be traded. Keep veterans Matheson and Savard one more year as the youngsters "learn the ropes", and deal the others for needed help up front.

 

[badfish]

In Saturday's game, Adam Fox demonstrated a notable skill: walking the blue line, opening his hips, and quickly sending the puck back cross ice, leading to a great chance that hit the post. You can see it in highlights video at 5:27. That type of play was a recurring theme in Fox's gameplay and reminiscent of Lane Hutson's similar tactics.

Lane Hutson's style at the WJC reminded me a lot of Adam Fox, which I personally believe is a much better comparable than Hughes or Makar. I think the WJC performance likely foreshadows his future NHL playstyle. What will set him apart is his exceptional high hockey IQ. This will translate into a blend of composed hockey, with timely pinches, and skilled hands that facilitate quick puck control and passes and create high danger scoring chances. Defensively, Hutson will rely on anticipation and stick positioning to break-up plays rather than physical confrontations. A lot of this sounds like Adam Fox as well - did you see Fox boxing players out or throwing big hits on Saturday?

After the game I decided to watch the extended highlights package of Fox on YouTube. It's over 22 minutes and worth a watch to appreciate how amazing of an NHL player Fox is. Some notable plays that reminded me of moments in Hutson's career include:

3:45 - How many time have we saw Hutson score like this, by moving into an area where defensive coverage broke down, doing a quick dangle and scoring.
4:29 - The way he roved around the zone looks like Hutson. He walked to the middle of the ice, waited for multiple-layer screen and snapped a goal top corner, just like Hutson did last year to win the Hockey East championship.
4:55 - Ends up on odd man rush, body language shows one timer but he makes a deke and scores. He's done that multiple times in the last two NCAA regular seasons.
6:15 - Fakes inside, gets the forwards skates focused inside, then cuts outside, walks down deep and drives the puck to the front of the net.
7:28 - The next few minutes of this show how Fox defends, anticipation and stickwork, not physicality, reminiscent of Hutson at WJC 2024.
12:11 - Just like how Hutson stripped the puck against Beck in WJC warm-ups.
19:28- Fox shimmys and shakes through everyone while driving the net to score - this one looked a lot like Hutson at NCAA. But this is probably one of the nicest goals Fox has ever scored, he doesn't score them like this often.

 

[1909]

I like Hutson and Struble. Two different players with different skill sets. Habs should keep both as well as Guhle. They may become cornerstones, but one can never really know with prospects. If you want to keep Arber, the others can eventually be traded. Keep veterans Matheson and Savard one more year as the youngsters "learn the ropes", and deal the others for needed help up front.

For me, Harris, Barron and-or Kovacevic should be traded. Of course, the presence of a vet like Savard could be important for at least one more season. I think Hutson, Reinbacker and Mailloux gonna need some time at AHL level.

 

[Estimated_Prophet]

I am all on board with betting on his upside.

PPG defenseman should look exactly like he is in the NCAA. Its a guess if his offense will translate or not but the mistake is to not bet on it. Why would we trade such a prospect? What would be the right offer?

I would strongly consider trading him because he has serious flaws and I don't have him in our top 3 of young LD's. I think he is more likely to be an overall playoff liability than an asset and we have so many great young defencemen with potential in all 3 zones that we might be better off trading him before he gets exposed.

If a team offers me a legitimate top six forward prospect who is not tiny I jump all over it. It might be a mistake but Lane is not my type of player even if I do enjoy watching him make plays at the college level.

I don't move him unless I get the return that I want but he has generated enough hype and there might be a GM out there who is willing to part with a prime forward asset to acquire him and that is a no brainer for me after seeing him still after all of this time barely able to back skate.

My real preference is that he all of the sudden fixes his flaws but they are so severe that I am not entirely convinced that he ever will.

The kid has fire in his belly and could absolutely make me look silly and I truly hope he does. This is just a case of me loving the other Dmen who are starting to blossom and the ones who are on the horizon.

 

[Pavel Buchnevich]

In Saturday's game, Adam Fox demonstrated a notable skill: walking the blue line, opening his hips, and quickly sending the puck back cross ice, leading to a great chance that hit the post. You can see it in highlights video at 5:27. That type of play was a recurring theme in Fox's gameplay and reminiscent of Lane Hutson's similar tactics.

Lane Hutson's style at the WJC reminded me a lot of Adam Fox, which I personally believe is a much better comparable than Hughes or Makar. I think the WJC performance likely foreshadows his future NHL playstyle. What will set him apart is his exceptional high hockey IQ. This will translate into a blend of composed hockey, with timely pinches, and skilled hands that facilitate quick puck control and passes and create high danger scoring chances. Defensively, Hutson will rely on anticipation and stick positioning to break-up plays rather than physical confrontations. A lot of this sounds like Adam Fox as well - did you see Fox boxing players out or throwing big hits on Saturday?

After the game I decided to watch the extended highlights package of Fox on YouTube. It's over 22 minutes and worth a watch to appreciate how amazing of an NHL player Fox is. Some notable plays that reminded me of moments in Hutson's career include:

3:45 - How many time have we saw Hutson score like this, by moving into an area where defensive coverage broke down, doing a quick dangle and scoring.
4:29 - The way he roved around the zone looks like Hutson. He walked to the middle of the ice, waited for multiple-layer screen and snapped a goal top corner, just like Hutson did last year to win the Hockey East championship.
4:55 - Ends up on odd man rush, body language shows one timer but he makes a deke and scores. He's done that multiple times in the last two NCAA regular seasons.
6:15 - Fakes inside, gets the forwards skates focused inside, then cuts outside, walks down deep and drives the puck to the front of the net.
7:28 - The next few minutes of this show how Fox defends, anticipation and stickwork, not physicality, reminiscent of Hutson at WJC 2024.
12:11 - Just like how Hutson stripped the puck against Beck in WJC warm-ups.
19:28- Fox shimmys and shakes through everyone while driving the net to score - this one looked a lot like Hutson at NCAA. But this is probably one of the nicest goals Fox has ever scored, he doesn't score them like this often.

I watch Fox every game and have been watching Hutson for years as a USAH fan.

I appreciate the comparison, but let me tell you where the comparison currently falls short.

The things you mention Fox does are things he does every game in every zone. Fox wins with his hockey sense, clean defensive execution, and puck game. He's an elite NHL player in every zone despite average size and skating.

Hutson right now has only shown he can be that consistently in the offensive zone. I think he has shown in small spurts that he has that potential in other parts of the game. The World Juniors was a good step to show that, but also you have to keep in mind his offensive game took a small hit. He needs to be able to find the balance where he's not losing his offensive game to put a greater emphasis on the defensive game.

In the best case scenario that's what you hope Hutson becomes. It's possible, but Lane isn't there yet. He needs to figure out how to use his hockey sense in all facets every game. That's why Fox is one of the best defensemen in the game. Lane still has too many moments where he looks like an offensive defenseman that doesn't have the athletic gifts to be any more than that. It's not to say Fox never has those moments as all players make mistakes and show limitations, but they are so infrequent. He simply doesn't put himself in those positions because each shift he's a step ahead in all zones. It's not just when the puck is on his stick. Lane needs to realize what his defensive potential is, and be more assertive and commanding. You can win defensively in that way, but he's still a little too tentative, at times.

If you throw a puck behind Fox, he's not hesitating that a bigger and faster player is going to crunch him into the boards. He knows that he's going to be able to sidestep any potential physical contact, and move the puck in a direction the forechecker isn't expecting. On the penalty kill he doesn't stand there passively trying to not make mistakes to open up passing lanes. He's going to try to out-fox (pun-intended) the opposing players by doing something like placing his stick to the inside to bait the other team to pass to his outside, and know that they are going to do it, he's going to anticipate it, and will clear the zone. He dominates with his mind. Lane does this offensively, and then is trying to "get by" and not be a negative defensively, which I believe he's not. He's always been better defensively than credited for, and is now learning more defensive concepts as he moves up to higher levels of hockey, but he still has to show that desire to impose his will on a game defensively.

I think he can get there and be a 1D eventually. Part of it is getting stronger and feeling more confident that he can hold up physically, and doesn't need to think that's a weakness of his game that he has to work around. Fox doesn't take many hits, but when he does it doesn't seem to matter because physically he can withstand it. He's only missed more than a game or two once in his career and never more than like a month. Another part is assertiveness and a mindset that Hutson doesn't yet show. I think it can come. What we see now wasn't always Fox' reputation. When he joined the Rangers we were hoping for a good PPQB, and obviously he's become a lot better. They both are naturally quiet and reserved people. More introspective. I think it's important to remember Lane is only 19 and has been small and undersized his whole hockey career fighting an uphill battle for respect. It takes time sometimes for a player to flip a switch with their mindset. Lane isn't the alpha-dog that someone like Rutger McGroarty or Cutter Gauthier is. Seeing him beat up that Swedish bully was terrific, and he needs to channel that more.

I hope the Habs give him plenty of time. Let him play at least a full season in the AHL. Let him go be the best defensemen in that league playing all situations and working on taking on the responsibility of being a 1D playing all situations for Laval. When players know there's an added responsibility on them and something is expected of them, sometimes that's all that's needed to flip that mindset switch. I know Habs fans are generally very interested in Lafreniere because he's from the province, and this is exactly what happened with him this season. People said he looked like a grinder and didn't have top 6 NHL talent. Rangers told him that they expected a lot of him for this upcoming season, and he looks so much more assertive and forward-thinking. Confidence and maturity goes such a long way. Lane has the potential, but he still has to flip that switch to become like Fox.

 

[rahad]

For me, Harris, Barron and-or Kovacevic should be traded. Of course, the presence of a vet like Savard could be important for at least one more season. I think Hutson, Reinbacker and Mailloux gonna need some time at AHL level.

Baron, Kovacevic and Savard play on the right side. It is one of reason, we drafted Reinbacher (shoot R). We have multiple D playing on the left side. We will need to trade player like Harris and maybe Matheson in the future.

 

[badfish]

I watch Fox every game and have been watching Hutson for years as a USAH fan.

I appreciate the comparison, but let me tell you where the comparison currently falls short.

The things you mention Fox does are things he does every game in every zone. Fox wins with his hockey sense, clean defensive execution, and puck game. He's an elite NHL player in every zone despite average size and skating.

Hutson right now has only shown he can be that consistently in the offensive zone. I think he has shown in small spurts that he has that potential in other parts of the game. The World Juniors was a good step to show that, but also you have to keep in mind his offensive game took a small hit. He needs to be able to find the balance where he's not losing his offensive game to put a greater emphasis on the defensive game.

In the best case scenario that's what you hope Hutson becomes. It's possible, but Lane isn't there yet. He needs to figure out how to use his hockey sense in all facets every game. That's why Fox is one of the best defensemen in the game. Lane still has too many moments where he looks like an offensive defenseman that doesn't have the athletic gifts to be any more than that. It's not to say Fox never has those moments as all players make mistakes and show limitations, but they are so infrequent. He simply doesn't put himself in those positions because each shift he's a step ahead in all zones. It's not just when the puck is on his stick. Lane needs to realize what his defensive potential is, and be more assertive and commanding. You can win defensively in that way, but he's still a little too tentative, at times.

If you throw a puck behind Fox, he's not hesitating that a bigger and faster player is going to crunch him into the boards. He knows that he's going to be able to sidestep any potential physical contact, and move the puck in a direction the forechecker isn't expecting. On the penalty kill he doesn't stand there passively trying to not make mistakes to open up passing lanes. He's going to try to out-fox (pun-intended) the opposing players by doing something like placing his stick to the inside to bait the other team to pass to his outside, and know that they are going to do it, he's going to anticipate it, and will clear the zone. He dominates with his mind. Lane does this offensively, and then is trying to "get by" and not be a negative defensively, which I believe he's not. He's always been better defensively than credited for, and is now learning more defensive concepts as he moves up to higher levels of hockey, but he still has to show that desire to impose his will on a game defensively.

I think he can get there and be a 1D eventually. Part of it is getting stronger and feeling more confident that he can hold up physically, and doesn't need to think that's a weakness of his game that he has to work around. Fox doesn't take many hits, but when he does it doesn't seem to matter because physically he can withstand it. He's only missed more than a game or two once in his career and never more than like a month. Another part is assertiveness and a mindset that Hutson doesn't yet show. I think it can come. What we see now wasn't always Fox' reputation. When he joined the Rangers we were hoping for a good PPQB, and obviously he's become a lot better. They both are naturally quiet and reserved people. More introspective. I think it's important to remember Lane is only 19 and has been small and undersized his whole hockey career fighting an uphill battle for respect. It takes time sometimes for a player to flip a switch with their mindset. Lane isn't the alpha-dog that someone like Rutger McGroarty or Cutter Gauthier is. Seeing him beat up that Swedish bully was terrific, and he needs to channel that more.

I hope the Habs give him plenty of time. Let him play at least a full season in the AHL. Let him go be the best defensemen in that league playing all situations and working on taking on the responsibility of being a 1D playing all situations for Laval. When players know there's an added responsibility on them and something is expected of them, sometimes that's all that's needed to flip that mindset switch. I know Habs fans are generally very interested in Lafreniere because he's from the province, and this is exactly what happened with him this season. People said he looked like a grinder and didn't have top 6 NHL talent. Rangers told him that they expected a lot of him for this upcoming season, and he looks so much more assertive and forward-thinking. Confidence and maturity goes such a long way. Lane has the potential, but he still has to flip that switch to become like Fox.

All in all very good points and a balanced take. I think Habs would be extremely lucky even if Lane becomes 3/4 the player Fox is. Rangers are lucky to have Fox and he doesn't get enough hype around the league imo.

 

[JianYang]

There's no way I trade Hutson.

Even if you don't believe he will amount to much, just take the risk and see what happens because the return isn't going to give you the same upside.

The team lacks pure high end talent, so when I see a guy who has some high end potential, you got to let it play out.

 

[Lafleurs Guy]

There's no way I trade Hutson.

Even if you don't believe he will amount to much, just take the risk and see what happens because the return isn't going to give you the same upside.

The team lacks pure high end talent, so when I see a guy who has some high end potential, you got to let it play out.

I disagree with Estimated Prophet but respect the fact that he’s taken a stance with the guy and has said he thinks the flaws are too great to ignore.

But I agree with you. He’s high end talent that you don’t often see. We’ve spent we too long without that kind of talent in our lineup. The guy reminds me a lot of Subban. Obviously some differences but I love the flash, the ability to control the game and the heart. He looks like a heart and soul type player.

There will obviously be some risk in his game translating but I think he can do it. And I can’t imagine how I’d feel if we traded him away and watched him dominate elsewhere. I’d be absolutely devastated.

 

[malcb33]

For me, Harris, Barron and-or Kovacevic should be traded. Of course, the presence of a vet like Savard could be important for at least one more season. I think Hutson, Reinbacker and Mailloux gonna need some time at AHL level.

I agree, however they should wait until Harris has some value or they find a trade they like (hopefully a younger forward who needs a fresh start) because there's no point in trading Harris for a late round pick, just to get rid of him.

As for Barron, I think this trade could happen once Mailloux proves himself capable of being a top 4 NHL D-man, which might be a while yet. Kovacevic's days are likely numbered though, and I feel he could probably be dealt at the deadline this year, if there's anybody looking for RHD depth.

 

[LesCanadiens]

Do you trade him for a top-5 lottery pick? Hoping to have 2 great shots at Celebrini?

 

[JianYang]

I disagree with Estimated Prophet but respect the fact that he’s taken a stance with the guy and has said he thinks the flaws are too great to ignore.

But I agree with you. He’s high end talent that you don’t often see. We’ve spent we too long without that kind of talent in our lineup. The guy reminds me a lot of Subban. Obviously some differences but I love the flash, the ability to control the game and the heart. He looks like a heart and soul type player.

There will obviously be some risk in his game translating but I think he can do it. And I can’t imagine how I’d feel if we traded him away and watched him dominate elsewhere. I’d be absolutely devastated.

Yeah I have my own reservations for the kid as well, but the last thing I'd do right now is trade him.

You have to ride it out because the potential award is just too great to pass up.

If someone is going to offer a blue chipper, sure you consider it but nobody is going to do that.

 

[Sam de Mtl]

It was quite strange watching him at the WJC playing the steady minute-muncher defenseman for USA. I expected him to be the offensive dynamo and to have some defensive lapses like we see in college. He was quite the contrary. Part of that is that Buium and Casey were taking only offensive minutes, which made him less needed in those situations. Another part is that he was actually able to take the more defensive responsibilities and do well. Well enough that he was named on the tournament's All-star team.

I love Hutson, but I agree with a lot of Estimated Prophet's assessment as they fit with what I see when I watch him play. However, his ability to rise to the challenges and show different aspects is impressive. He may be a kid who will make the scouts lie and be more than the sum of his parts. Those who think he will be a #1 dman will de disappointed imo, but we still may have a very useful defenseman if he can have the offensive talent we need and still be able to hold his own for 16+ minutes per game. And heck, he is so surprising, why not go ahead and make me lie too and be one a #1? But that's crazy talk. But who knows?

 

[kyne]

If he somehow gives you a shot at someone like Celebrini or Nemec, you do it. I'm not convinced he doesn't turn into MAB. The other two for sure won't.

 

[26Mats]

There's no way I trade Hutson.

Even if you don't believe he will amount to much, just take the risk and see what happens because the return isn't going to give you the same upside.

The team lacks pure high end talent, so when I see a guy who has some high end potential, you got to let it play out.

It depends on what is being offered.

Cutter Gauthier?
Michkov?
Celebrini?
Eiserman?

 

[BenchBrawl]

I'm not 100% sure where I stand with Hutson, but my impression is that a lot of fans in this thread wildly overrates his value.

 

[JianYang]

It depends on what is being offered.

Cutter Gauthier?
Michkov?
Celebrini?
Eiserman?

I can guarantee you that you're not getting celebrini, nor a blue chipper for Hutson.

 

[CHwest]

I'm not 100% sure where I stand with Hutson, but my impression is that a lot of fans in this thread wildly overrates his value.

He is a nice problem to have. Time, will of course tell the tale.

 

[26Mats]

I can guarantee you that you're not getting celebrini, nor a blue chipper for Hutson.

Agree about Celebrini.

Disagree about a blue chipper.