All NCAA players do with the exception of players that qualify for the "loophole" where they can turn pro after their Junior year. Only players that don't go directly to the NCAA after being drafted qualify so Hutson does not qualify so yes he can become a UFA in August 15th of 2026.
I don't see why that's the case. But I think fans overlook the fact that he will have the rare chance to play with both his brothers on what could be an epic team. There's let's say talk from BU fans that Celebrini who is very close friends with Eiserman (I don't know if this is true or BS) and has made it known or suggested that he wants to return next year. Of course going 1st OA, the team that gets him may want him to go pro but wow could that be a crazy fun team to watch with the 3 Hutson's, Celebrini and Eiserman.
Of course it's just wild speculation right now but I just think fans should be prepared that he may be at BU next year. He could just as easily be on the Habs as I have not heard anything about his intentions. I do think he badly needs to bulk up and add strength, so I would push for another year at BU as why not.
I wouldn't be surprised to see him stay for a 3rd year at BU under those circumstances. Imagine the confidence high he would bring with him to training camper for an NHL tryout at the end of his 3rd NCAA season!?
I personally just don't want to get into a situation where we risk losing him for absolutely nothing after four NCAA seasons.
Montreal still has the option to play him and burn an ELC year at that point, as an advantage over other teams, no?
Still, I think that this would have a greater impact for Hutson after a third NCAA season than a fourth where choosing where you play can carry a lot of weight
I mean, everyone wants to play for Arizona and, for Hutson playing at their rink would be just like playing for BU!
Apparently, Hutson has bulked up while playing for BU (according to the head coach) and is stronger coming out of battles the corners.
Another year of that, with more time between lesser games in the NCAA to devote to this, plus an two entire offseasons to bulk up, could be a HUGE (deliberate play on words) advantage for Hutson before he comes over to Montreal or Laval.
After three years of University, he could, theoretically, finish his degree with some kind of 'Away' or summer course arrangement often offered to athletes. All of that could be finished in two offseasons, so he could graduate after his first year in Laval, or in Montreal, were he to graduate without passing through Laval.
Personally, I think that an extra year in the NCAA and at least a good part of a year of seasoning in Laval would be ideal for Hutson when taking into account the remaining term on Matheson's contract.
Matheson has two more years after this one at a paltry 4.875M, considering what he can bring to a Cup-aspiring team on a second pairing.
By the last year of Matheson's contract, Hughes should have all his retention spots back for the trade deadline (Petry's will have ended the year before).
How valuable would Matheson at 2.4375M, 75% spent already (609K soapily to a team's total Cap) really be?
Most Cup aspiring teams would be able to slot him into their Cap structure without any major moves by exploiting the IR buffer that teams keep during the season.
Hutson, if playing well in Laval, could be recalled as Matheson gets shipped out of town for a Grade A prospect, along with other assets (picks and prospects).
By then, Guhle will be a young veteran already and should be able to handle 1st pairing LHD duties to shield the young Hutson.
Hopefully, by then Mailloux will also have tasted the NHL and be along his way coanchoring a spot in the top-4.
Playing Hutson in the AHL for a portion of a season will be eye candy for fans in Laval and should help stimulate ticket sales there...
