Player Discussion Lane Hutson Part 2

[Scriptor]

Creating a temporary 5 on 4 in the O zone because you absolutely embarrassed someone and left them behind,
Is never not a 'good' thing lol.

I was kidding about those who aren't fans of Hutson. No, it's never a bad thing.

 

[Redux91]

I was kidding about those who aren't fans of Hutson. No, it's never a bad thing.

Figured lol after your 'wow'

 

[JeffreyLFC]

It's always the usual suspects hating on Hutson. We will soon see if he is good enough for the NHL but the way he operates on the PP alone give me high hope for him to be lethal at the NHL level.

 

[tooji]

Creating a temporary 5 on 4 in the O zone because you absolutely embarrassed someone and left them behind,
Is never not a 'good' thing lol, goal or not.

yeah he generated a high danger scoring chance by beating a player 1v1. Players that can generate chances like that tilt the ice in your favour and leads to goals and wins…

 

[Scriptor]

As I said earlier, 3 on 3 is won or lost on a team’s ability to play defensively. While Dach would be strong offensively, if the opposition ever gains possession of the puck , Dach’s style of skating will be a liability in his efforts to contain an opponent. Just think of the time Makar, two years ago, was able to turn Dach inside out in overtime and score the winning goal.

Then, at that time, perhaps it will be better off as a threesome of Caufield - Hutson - Reinbacher than Caufield - Hutson - Matheson.

But that's arguing tumbleweeds are prettier than brush wood, or vice versa.

What's most important for 3 VS 3, IMO, is puck control and, honestly, without a C to win the F/O for those threesomes, we're already behind the 8-ball.

One of Suzuki, Dach or Monahan (if we extend him) needs to be on the ice in OT. Dach is the least sexy option for the F/O, though. The speed of Newhook is another interesting option.

Lots of options with different advantages.

 

[ChesterNimitz]

Then, at that time, perhaps it will be better off as a threesome of Caufield - Hutson - Reinbacher than Caufield - Hutson - Matheson.

But that's arguing tumbleweeds are prettier than brush wood, or vice versa.

What's most important for 3 VS 3, IMO, is puck control and, honestly, without a C to win the F/O for those threesomes, we're already behind the 8-ball.

One of Suzuki, Dach or Monahan (if we extend him) needs to be on the ice in OT. Dach is the least sexy option for the F/O, though. The speed of Newhook is another interesting option.

Lots of options with different advantages.

The fact that we have increased options provides some confirmation, if not comfort, that the team is progressing. As for face-offs, many teams use the strategy of employing their best face-off man at the start of overtime and then quickly change him for a more gifted offensive player. As for Monahan, Dach or even Reinbacher, I question whether they have the speed/mobility to excel at 3 on 3 hockey. It has nothing to do with their offensive ability, but their ability to play effective defence. I can't see any of those three being able to cover the speedier opponents that they will be facing. And that speed differential is the difference between winning and losing.

 

[Jaynki]

It's always the usual suspects hating on Hutson. We will soon see if he is good enough for the NHL but the way he operates on the PP alone give me high hope for him to be lethal at the NHL level.

People hate on insane talent like Hutson and Slaf for dubious reason (picked 1st bc of his size, too small for the NHL, low IQ, etc.) but excite themselves on player like Beck, RHP and Harris shitty reason. (Already plays a pro game, good work ethic, intangibles etc.)

 

[cave troll]

I see immense talent in Hutson, but just a tiny spark of it on Slaf.
They're not comparable in terms of skill and talent. Slaf has a frame and that's all. That's why he was draftedvin hope he will develop some qualities, not because kid was tearing up his competition like Hutson did. He can only dream of doing things Hutson does.
Lot of teams will regret not picking Hutson when they had a chance.

 

[bleuetbio]

That was the shit they said about Cooley in his draft year and now he's all anyone talks about or wants.

It's just crazy.

I think like more than the half of us want Wright and if not, been ok with Cooley. I dont remember people having beef with a scenario where Cooley woudl have be the pick. From what I remember, Cooley always been considered the most gifted prospect of the draft, but Wright just seen too big a prospect to not pick him. Slaf was always the unlikable prospect.

 

[salbutera]

I see immense talent in Hutson, but just a tiny spark of it on Slaf.
They're not comparable in terms of skill and talent. Slaf has a frame and that's all. That's why he was draftedvin hope he will develop some qualities, not because kid was tearing up his competition like Hutson did. He can only dream of doing things Hutson does.
Lot of teams will regret not picking Hutson when they had a chance.

We’ll have to wait & see how Hutson’s game can adapt to NHL game, it’s a legitimate unknown - he doesn’t possess Quinn Hughes’ elite speed will that be a negative impact for a small Dman?

Then there’s the matter of whether dipsy doodlers are effective in playoff hockey… lots of unknowns.

Will be fascinating to watch unfold as I previously posted

 

[dackelljuneaubulis02]

We’ll have to wait & see how Hutson’s game can adapt to NHL game, it’s a legitimate unknown - he doesn’t possess Quinn Hughes’ elite speed will that be a negative impact for a small Dman?

Then there’s the matter of whether dipsy doodlers are effective in playoff hockey… lots of unknowns.

Will be fascinating to watch unfold as I previously posted

Legitimate questions.

The good thing is he’s a dipsy doodler with fire in his belly. Late in the game and/or when it’s on the line, he really pours it on. No guarantee of playoff warriorness but it’s certainly not a bad indicator.

I thought he was being a little too cute this last game. His D game is a mixed bag. Question marks are legit but he’s strong for his size and have seen him make some Markov like steals.

I think he can still make big improvements but man alive he’s got insane talent

 

[Estimated_Prophet]

It's always the usual suspects hating on Hutson. We will soon see if he is good enough for the NHL but the way he operates on the PP alone give me high hope for him to be lethal at the NHL level.

(mod)

I have never said that he won't be good enough or that I don't think he is a special talent. It is the people who ignore his glaring defensive, skating and size/strength issues and anoint him as our top young D over Reinbacher and Guhle who are utterly delusional and blinded by their bias.

Is he an exciting talent with elite hands and IQ, absolutely! Now let's put on our big boy pants and admit that he has a lot of work to do in other areas without throwing our toys and making up stories.

 

[LesCanadiens]

(Mod)

I have never said that he won't be good enough or that I don't think he is a special talent. It is the people who ignore his glaring defensive, skating and size/strength issues and anoint him as our top young D over Reinbacher and Guhle who are utterly delusional and blinded by their bias.

Is he an exciting talent with elite hands and IQ, absolutely! Now let's put on our big boy pants and admit that he has a lot of work to do in other areas without throwing our toys and making up stories.

You just described the reason (IMO) for the dramatic decline in quality discussion at HFB's. Often, you can't critique a player without getting flamed/personally attacked and swarmed by over-sensitive children. And then (mostly on the main boards), nothing happens to them. They're allowed to continue. This is he main reason I take huge hiatuses from HFB's.

As far as Hutson goes, my view: High-level elite offensive talent. I think that is unquestionable. I don't see his skating as an issue on offense, nor his size. He's so unbelievable elusive and deceptive. I think his one huge deficiency is his defensive posture and especially his very suspect backwards skating. That's why I've maintained all along, that barring a huge improvement in that area, I hope they try him out as a forward. I think he has the very real potential of turning into a superstar forward.

Having said that. Another positive I see with him, is that he seems to be very determined and focused on beating the odds. So, there is still a chance he "fixes" his backwards skating issues. Bottom line, I would 100% put my money on him become at least a star NHL player, if not a superstar. Just way, way too talented to miss, IMO.

 

[salbutera]

It's always the usual suspects hating on Hutson. We will soon see if he is good enough for the NHL but the way he operates on the PP alone give me high hope for him to be lethal at the NHL level.

Having star caliber raw skills doesn’t make one an NHL top-6 / top-4D regular, let alone a star in the league - especially with the combination of smaller stature + lack of elite speed.

 

[JeffreyLFC]

Having star caliber raw skills doesn’t make one an NHL top-6 / top-4D regular, let alone a star in the league - especially with the combination of smaller stature + lack of elite speed.

Re-read my statement, I stated on the PP alone he could be a superstar. Tell me please how his smaller stature and lack of elite speed will be detrimental on him becoming a star PP operator. His deceptiveness, change of direction, ability to shot through traffic/opening shooting lane and elite vision are the key on the PP and he has all that in his toolbox. I watched him with Macklin Celebrini on the PP and they were both sensational and at another level than all other players with an advantage to Lane.

 

[Estimated_Prophet]

Re-read my statement, I stated on the PP alone he could be a superstar. Tell me please how his smaller stature and lack of elite speed will be detrimental on him becoming a star PP operator. His deceptiveness, change of direction, ability to shot through traffic/opening shooting lane and elite vision are the key on the PP and he has all that in his toolbox. I watched him with Macklin Celebrini on the PP and they were both sensational and at another level than all other players with an advantage to Lane.

This is undoubtedly the most appealing and exciting aspect of his game. His lack of speed will be a factor when he gets blown up at the blueline making high risk maneuvers so hopefully his deceptiveness and creativity will outweigh his inability to catch NHLers who get past him.

The kid has an enormous compete level so I am confident he will put in the work required to improve on his weaknesses. I am not entirely confident in his future as an NHLer on a contending team but I can't wait to at least see him get his chance and hopefully be that catalyst that our PP desperately needs.

As of right now it is not unreasonable to picture him becoming an elite PP quarterback but it is very difficult picturing him not being a 5 vs 5 liability in his own end. There is plenty of time to work on the latter and I have always seen him as a long term project so I am content to watch him dazzle at BU while he works on the rest of his game.

 

[SnapVirus]

People trashing on Hutson, dont have a good history with players evaluation on here. Just sayin

 

[le_sean]

Advanced stats absolutely do not dictate the direction of coaching staffs.

They are used as one resource among many to provide as much information as possible.

They do when the offensive stats back it up too, which they will for Lane. Worst case scenario you have a Tony Deangelo, a PP specialist that just needs to be heavily sheltered 5v5. Added bonus: Lane isn’t racist or calls out his teammates/management with fake accounts. Tony has no problem finding work despite the warts on and off the ice.

Best case, because they have similar stats, stature and skating ability, he’s another Adam Fox.

 

[salbutera]

Re-read my statement, I stated on the PP alone he could be a superstar. Tell me please how his smaller stature and lack of elite speed will be detrimental on him becoming a star PP operator. His deceptiveness, change of direction, ability to shot through traffic/opening shooting lane and elite vision are the key on the PP and he has all that in his toolbox. I watched him with Macklin Celebrini on the PP and they were both sensational and at another level than all other players with an advantage to Lane.

Cole Perfetti is a good example - sensational talent IMO, but he sees 2-3 shifts max in 3rd period if Jets are tied or winning, that’s how the NHL works. Its not only a Habs phenomena, Zegras has been benched for 3rd periods for lack of defensive awareness - I’m not omniscient enough to project what Hutson will be at NHL, extremely high probability elite PP player but one wont last in the cap world by just that one ability alone is all I’m sayin

 

[Scriptor]

Cole Perfetti is a good example - sensational talent IMO, but he sees 2-3 shifts max in 3rd period if Jets are tied or winning, that’s how the NHL works. Its not only a Habs phenomena, Zegras has been benched for 3rd periods for lack of defensive awareness - I’m not omniscient enough to project what Hutson will be at NHL, extremely high probability elite PP player but one wont last in the cap world by just that one ability alone is all I’m sayin

Hutson ,if that's all he brings, won't be making 10M a season either. Maybe a 5M third pairing D and PP QB specialist?

 

[JianYang]

I think like more than the half of us want Wright and if not, been ok with Cooley. I dont remember people having beef with a scenario where Cooley woudl have be the pick. From what I remember, Cooley always been considered the most gifted prospect of the draft, but Wright just seen too big a prospect to not pick him. Slaf was always the unlikable prospect.

I don't think slaf was the unlikable pick.... I kinda looked to him as the hipster pick, for lack of a better term. He was the one making a big push out of nowhere as we got closer to the draft. That, combined with his frame made him a very intriguing prospect.

 

[Estimated_Prophet]

They do when the offensive stats back it up too, which they will for Lane. Worst case scenario you have a Tony Deangelo, a PP specialist that just needs to be heavily sheltered 5v5. Added bonus: Lane isn’t racist or calls out his teammates/management with fake accounts. Tony has no problem finding work despite the warts on and off the ice.

Best case, because they have similar stats, stature and skating ability, he’s another Adam Fox.

Advanced stats absolutely do not dictate any organizations strategy, I have personally joked about this with NHL scouts, agents and players. It is solely a fan based narrative. Some GM's put more stock in them than others but hockey knowledge and IQ are always the final determining factor.

DeAngelo is also a much better skater than Lane can ever hope to be and will always be bigger and stronger than Lane will ever be. I think Hutson is more offensively gifted but using NHL comparisons will always be a fool's errand as Lane is the smallest/weakest and worst back skating Dman that I have ever seen this late in his development and there just are zero appropriate comparables.

This does not mean that he can't make as I do believe he will make it in a specialized role.

Fox is also an outstanding back skater despite only having average speed but is also likely significantly bigger than Lane will ever be and is just another poor comparison even if he is one of the better comparisons. Hutson is not like any dman past or present therein lies the reason he slipped in the draft and is not seen as positively by other organizations than the Canadiens fan base views him.

Once again before the usual attacks commence, I wanted us to draft him exactly where we took him and he has not disappointed in any way other than the slow progress with his back skating. I only mentioned trading him as we will need to trade LD prospects at some point and perhaps he could get us a valuable forward asset in return. I don't advocate moving him for anything less than a blue chip winger and am more than happy to roll the dice with him if we can't garner such a return.

We are both excited about his potential but I also am willing to explore his value on the market if an interested GM starts sniffing around.

People trashing on Hutson, dont have a good history with players evaluation on here. Just sayin

Nobody on here does if we are all being honest. That is if you believe the standard is being mostly correct.

 

[Grate n Colorful Oz]

People trashing on Hutson, dont have a good history with players evaluation on here. Just sayin

I remember the Caufield prospect threads (all 13 of them!) and how so many people said he'd be a PP specialist because of his small stature and how he'd have a hard time at ES. Even the heralded 'prospect evaluator' Goldenhands thought so.

 

[26Mats]

I remember the Caufield prospect threads (all 13 of them!) and how so many people said he'd be a PP specialist because of his small stature and how he'd have a hard time at ES. Even the heralded 'prospect evaluator' Goldenhands thought so.

Ok but there's a difference between a small winger, a small center, a small bottom pair dman, and a small top 4 dman. You see many more successfull players in the first category than you do as you go down the list.

I'm thrilled to have a talent like Hutson in the prospect pool. I'm also realistic and don't know if he'll make it as a top 4 dman or even a bottom pair dman. But even if he doesn't, I think he'll make it as a winger and pp qb.

But there are too many factors for me to know either way. And they aren't merely limited to his physical and hockey development. God only knows what rules the NHL will keep amending and more importantly how the refs will defacto enforce them, particularly in the playoffs. Smaller players will have bigger or smaller roles accordingly.

 

[Grate n Colorful Oz]

Ok but there's a difference between a small winger, a small center, a small bottom pair dman, and a small top 4 dman. You see many more successfull players in the first category than you do as you go down the list.

I'm thrilled to have a talent like Hutson in the prospect pool. I'm also realistic and don't know if he'll make it as a top 4 dman or even a bottom pair dman. But even if he doesn't, I think he'll make it as a winger and pp qb.

But there are too many factors for me to know either way. And they aren't merely limited to his physical and hockey development. God only knows what rules the NHL will keep amending and more importantly how the refs will defacto enforce them, particularly in the playoffs. Smaller players will have bigger or smaller roles accordingly.

Actually, if you count a 3 to 2 ratio (F vs D), pro rated, there are as many small highscoring Ds than small highscoring forwards. The past and that 3/2 ratio skews your view. The difference in number is more related to forwards outnumbering defensemen than anything else. Highscoring small players, whether forwards or dmen, usually make it first and foremost because of high hockey IQ.

Also, since forward is the smallest position and getting smaller, the game also getting faster, I foresee a 180° flip in height, where we'll see the present average decrease slowly and it has already started, especially when it comes to highscoring players.

Concerning your last paragraph, I would tend to think the NHL will follow suit with the NBA and keep adding offense as it is what sells. So, I'm not concerned about Hutson making it. Maybe his defensive defficiencies will make him a winger, but I doubt it, because Hutson aligns three major attributes; high IQ, high puck skills, but most importantly, high compete, which should bridge him towards having a more complete game.