Player Discussion Lane Hutson Part 2

[salbutera]

 

[Canadienna]

Oh man. Imagine that built in chemistry with both guys joining the Habs next year.

A man can dream...

 

[Lafleurs Guy]

Oh man. Imagine that built in chemistry with both guys joining the Habs next year.

A man can dream...

It's a nice dream.

 

[teamfirst]

The comparison between Hutson and Caufield is valid. Playing a different position doesn't change the fact that people had Caufield as a long shot of becoming a good nhl player due to his lack of size.

Very intriguing prospect, can't wait to see how his game will translate in the pro, like alot of talented guy's he could do better in the NHL than the AHL playing with more skill players

 

[NewDef]

Hutson will most likely be an NHL specialist, he maybe called up if Matheson or it's successor gets injured in season but the habs will have enough big good boys to fill the 3 pairs without having to play him in a top role.

I do believe he will play and help the CH get to the playoffs but I would rather go in playoffs with him in a 7th D spot than HAVE to play him because there is nothing else.

Depth is what makes team go far, good depth though and he will be good, he'll just have to be somewhat shielded just like we want to put CC with Dach to compensate his inability to make space for himself. At least he's a heck of a dynamic skater and has been conscious of developing his defensive play lately.

So, having him play in the nhl in due time is not going to be an issue but thinking he would be a cornerstone of our defense for 82 games or in the playoffs against a tough team like Vegas is a bit much to entertain. Still, i do wanna see him wow us.. it'll be fun!

 

[Toene]

Hutson will most likely be an NHL specialist, he maybe called up if Matheson or it's successor gets injured in season but the habs will have enough big good boys to fill the 3 pairs without having to play him in a top role.

I do believe he will play and help the CH get to the playoffs but I would rather go in playoffs with him in a 7th D spot than HAVE to play him because there is nothing else.

Depth is what makes team go far, good depth though and he will be good, he'll just have to be somewhat shielded just like we want to put CC with Dach to compensate his inability to make space for himself. At least he's a heck of a dynamic skater and has been conscious of developing his defensive play lately.

So, having him play in the nhl in due time is not going to be an issue but thinking he would be a cornerstone of our defense for 82 games or in the playoffs against a tough team like Vegas is a bit much to entertain. Still, i do wanna see him wow us.. it'll be fun!

Disagree completely. When you have a weapon like Hutson, you play him as much as possible. I'm betting that when he'll be established he'll have more average TOI per game than any of our defensemen except Guhle and Reinbacher.

 

[NewDef]

Disagree completely. When you have a weapon like Hutson, you play him as much as possible. I'm betting that when he'll be established he'll have more average TOI per game than any of our defensemen except Guhle and Reinbacher.

What I mean is He's luxury to have and having the possibility to not play him when the fit ai'nt right will be key at the beginning. Basic new guy shielding while he learns the league. In 3 years, we'll see, but he's no Strubble where he can manhandle the opposition so he'll need time to get his timing / habits tuned to the nhl play to be effective and not hurt all the time. If then he's proven it, fine, but counting on him 82 games in 2025-2026 would be overly optimistic and provisions should be taken to ensure we dont end up with a plug in its place when he gets injured.

Ah well, we'll see, but even in peewee i refrain from playing my small guys in critical moments in tournament as they just get bashed and bruised and cannot be effective so i gather at the nhl playoff level the 4th time you get an elbow to the face it must slow you down somewhat.

 

[Lafleurs Guy]

What I mean is He's luxury to have and having the possibility to not play him when the fit ai'nt right will be key at the beginning. Basic new guy shielding while he learns the league. In 3 years, we'll see, but he's no Strubble where he can manhandle the opposition so he'll need time to get his timing / habits tuned to the nhl play to be effective and not hurt all the time. If then he's proven it, fine, but counting on him 82 games in 2025-2026 would be overly optimistic and provisions should be taken to ensure we dont end up with a plug in its place when he gets injured.

Ah well, we'll see, but even in peewee i refrain from playing my small guys in critical moments in tournament as they just get bashed and bruised and cannot be effective so i gather at the nhl playoff level the 4th time you get an elbow to the face it must slow you down somewhat.

If he is going to be a true number one, I don't think it will take him three years on the club to get there. But I agree that we shouldn't throw him right in either.

 

[Boss Man Hughes]

What I mean is He's luxury to have and having the possibility to not play him when the fit ai'nt right will be key at the beginning. Basic new guy shielding while he learns the league. In 3 years, we'll see, but he's no Strubble where he can manhandle the opposition so he'll need time to get his timing / habits tuned to the nhl play to be effective and not hurt all the time. If then he's proven it, fine, but counting on him 82 games in 2025-2026 would be overly optimistic and provisions should be taken to ensure we dont end up with a plug in its place when he gets injured.

Ah well, we'll see, but even in peewee i refrain from playing my small guys in critical moments in tournament as they just get bashed and bruised and cannot be effective so i gather at the nhl playoff level the 4th time you get an elbow to the face it must slow you down somewhat.

They could be 7, 8 or 9 deep in defensemen but I don't know how they could keep them all. Hopefully they can keep an extra d on the team or in the AHL in the event of injuries.

 

[Kudo Shinichi]

 

[themilosh]

How are his defensive metrics?

 

[salbutera]

Never followed college hockey close enough until very recently, but was there ever a case where a freshman or sophomore dominated college hockey like this yet failed to adjust to NHL game?

Can’t think of anyone in modern era other than AJ Thelen who went top-15 (?) in 2004 even that was 20-years ago….Jim Craig (Team USA miracle on ice G comes to mind but haven’t checked if he dominated college)

 

[Gustave]

Never followed college hockey close enough until very recently, but was there ever a case where a freshman or sophomore dominated college hockey like this yet failed to adjust to NHL game?

Can’t think of anyone in modern era other than AJ Thelen who went top-15 (?) in 2004 even that was 20-years ago….Jim Craig (Team USA miracle on ice G comes to mind but haven’t checked if he dominated college)

Did Thelen ever dominate anywhere??

 

[Sam de Mtl]

If he is going to be a true number one, I don't think it will take him three years on the club to get there. But I agree that we shouldn't throw him right in either.

There is no certainty he will be a true number 1. Those expectations shouldn't be put on him. He looks like a guy who may have Krug like career and that would be a great result, but Krug was never a number 1 guy. It is unlikely Hutson will develop his defensive game sufficiently to take the hard shifts away from Guhle or Reinbacher.

Why try to fit a square peg in a round hole?

 

[Lafleurs Guy]

There is no certainty he will be a true number 1. Those expectations shouldn't be put on him. He looks like a guy who may have Krug like career and that would be a great result, but Krug was never a number 1 guy. It is unlikely Hutson will develop his defensive game sufficiently to take the hard shifts away from Guhle or Reinbacher.

Why try to fit a square peg in a round hole?

I’m bullish on him. I think he’s going to be a legit number one.

I could be wrong. But talent like he has is pretty rare. He’s absolutely dominant out there. If they limit him on defensive assignments that’s fine. Still see him as a top line blueliner who will rack up points.

We’ll see.

 

[salbutera]

Did Thelen ever dominate anywhere??

No …that’s the thing, he’s wasn’t dominant on USNTDP under 18 team or Mich State.

Moreover, everyone now sees how effective the USA Hockey program has become 20-years later, there just aren’t many college players who perform well as 18-19 yr olds that don’t go on to becoming solid NHLers.

Hutson’s situation is so fascinating on so many levels.. it’s potentially ground breaking

 

[HuGo Burner Acc]

I’m bullish on him. I think he’s going to be a legit number one.

I could be wrong. But talent like he has is pretty rare. He’s absolutely dominant out there. If they limit him on defensive assignments that’s fine. Still see him as a top line blueliner who will rack up points.

We’ll see.

A lot depends on who he's paired with and luckily, Habs have Reinbacher to perfectly compliment him. Let's remember that Karlsson was paired with Marc Methot, was terrible defensively and played no PK time yet he was a no.1 that everyone wanted on their team. If you have a partner to free you up and cover up your deficiencies, you'll be able to assert your game and for Hutson, I see that being an elite offensive weapon

 

[HomaridII]

I’m bullish on him. I think he’s going to be a legit number one.

I could be wrong. But talent like he has is pretty rare. He’s absolutely dominant out there. If they limit him on defensive assignments that’s fine. Still see him as a top line blueliner who will rack up points.

We’ll see.

Same here.

I've watched him play soooo much, more than anybody since Subban before he joined the NHL.

He is incredibly smart. He can see what the attacker will do before the attacker does it and therefore is rarely caught out and has elite anticipation. He time after time is able to get his stick on the way of a pass for example. He doesn't use his body but has insane hand eye coordination and constantly wins battles in the corners and in front of the net simply by positioning and use of his stick. He already has an elite stick lift. He will not get caught out by a forecheck, trust me. He is not an elite skater but he has elite elite top of the NHL edges which use knows how to use. People should go back and watch the final of the world Jr and see 30 mins of ice time. He was dominant.

I will say the two issues for me will be:

1) Defending off the rush since he has a tendency to turn.
2) Clearing the front of the net.

In Boston U he is paired with a huge huge stay at home defenseman, Weber, who is very solid. He will have to be paired with somebody similar, who will be able to cover while he goes up and does his thing and is smart enough to switch with him to cover the front of the net.

Anyways. I haven't seen anybody play like he does, not even in the NHL. There is nobody like him. He is just different.

 

[Lafleurs Guy]

A lot depends on who he's paired with and luckily, Habs have Reinbacher to perfectly compliment him. Let's remember that Karlsson was paired with Marc Methot, was terrible defensively and played no PK time yet he was a no.1 that everyone wanted on their team. If you have a partner to free you up and cover up your deficiencies, you'll be able to assert your game and for Hutson, I see that being an elite offensive weapon

Agreed. The pairing will be important.

 

[Lafleurs Guy]

Same here.

I've watched him play soooo much, more than anybody since Subban before he joined the NHL.

He is incredibly smart. He can see what the attacker will do before the attacker does it and therefore is rarely caught out and has elite anticipation. He time after time is able to get his stick on the way of a pass for example. He doesn't use his body but has insane hand eye coordination and constantly wins battles in the corners and in front of the net simply by positioning and use of his stick. He already has an elite stick lift. He will not get caught out by a forecheck, trust me. He is not an elite skater but he has elite elite top of the NHL edges which use knows how to use. People should go back and watch the final of the world Jr and see 30 mins of ice time. He was dominant.

I will say the two issues for me will be:

1) Defending off the rush since he has a tendency to turn.
2) Clearing the front of the net.

In Boston U he is paired with a huge huge stay at home defenseman, Weber, who is very solid. He will have to be paired with somebody similar, who will be able to cover while he goes up and does his thing and is smart enough to switch with him to cover the front of the net.

Anyways. I haven't seen anybody play like he does, not even in the NHL. There is nobody like him. He is just different.

Yep, he’s never going to be great at clearing the net. He must be paired with someone who can handle the bulk of that responsibility.

This guy just seems too good not to make it. I get the concerns. I get that it’s not a certainty and I could be wrong. But I’m really excited about this prospect.

 

[EveryDay]

Same here.

I've watched him play soooo much, more than anybody since Subban before he joined the NHL.

He is incredibly smart. He can see what the attacker will do before the attacker does it and therefore is rarely caught out and has elite anticipation. He time after time is able to get his stick on the way of a pass for example. He doesn't use his body but has insane hand eye coordination and constantly wins battles in the corners and in front of the net simply by positioning and use of his stick. He already has an elite stick lift. He will not get caught out by a forecheck, trust me. He is not an elite skater but he has elite elite top of the NHL edges which use knows how to use. People should go back and watch the final of the world Jr and see 30 mins of ice time. He was dominant.

I will say the two issues for me will be:

1) Defending off the rush since he has a tendency to turn.
2) Clearing the front of the net.

In Boston U he is paired with a huge huge stay at home defenseman, Weber, who is very solid. He will have to be paired with somebody similar, who will be able to cover while he goes up and does his thing and is smart enough to switch with him to cover the front of the net.

Anyways. I haven't seen anybody play like he does, not even in the NHL. There is nobody like him. He is just different.

Little correction, he's not playing with Weber, he's playing most of the time with McCarthy the captain of BU and sometimes with Wallinder but I get what you're saying, he need a solid defensive defenceman along his side.

Here's BU pairing most of the time:

Hutson-McCarthy
Webber-Wallinder
Celebrini-G.McCathy
Gallagher

Can't wait to see him play at the next level, I believe most people will be surprise at how quick the guys can adapt and dominate.

Pair him a few game with Savard and see how it goes!

 

[Maitz]

I don't get it, he is 20 years old, 5'9 165, in 2 years he might be 5'10 or 5'9 1/2, at this point who cares? And will be 175 pounds. It's almost the same shape as Q Hughes, in the NHL today there is a place for smaller dman. I am tired of using his height or weight to judge him. He will be fine in 1-2 years, let him gain some weight and experience and he will be a top 4 dman. I see no problem with his skills translate to the NHL.

 

[Tyson]

I don't get it, he is 20 years old, 5'9 165, in 2 years he might be 5'10 or 5'9 1/2, at this point who cares? And will be 175 pounds. It's almost the same shape as Q Hughes, in the NHL today there is a place for smaller dman. I am tired of using his height or weight to judge him. He will be fine in 1-2 years, let him gain some weight and experience and he will be a top 4 dman. I see no problem with his skills translate to the NHL.

How does his skating compare to Quinn Hughes's?

 

[Draft]

He’s going to have issues at his size, he needs to improve his skating to reach his upside. I live for these kinds of thrilling new insights.

 

[1909]

Will he really sign with Habs this Spring or next Spring ? I heard he might be intrested to play with his two brothers. He might be not intrested at all to play at AHL level.