The difference between Hutson and Slaf is that it's apparent to the eye that Lane is a breakthrough, unique player. Slaf doesn't look particularly special, aside from his size. He had success for a few months playing with the best players on the team. It will take one or two full seasons of that for me to think he's a first line player.
I hope Laine turns it around, but with him it seems like the issue is more mental than anything else. We've had our share of talented players who were disappointing because they couldn't get over those mental hurdles. I guess time will tell.
Both Matheson and Hutson could accumulate a good amount of points. The Habs wouldn't be the first team in the league to have two offensive minded d-men who produce many points.
And, yea, it can be objectively debated that this team isn't going to take the league by storm.
We've been sitting comfortably at the bottom for a few years now. Until the proof is in the pudding, I'll be quite skeptical.