LD Lane Hutson - Boston University, NCAA (2022, 62nd, MTL)

[Whileee]

I haven't watched Hutson at the NCAA level. He was good offensively at the WJHC-20, but seemed to struggle a bit in his own zone defensively.

I realize that +/- is a very flawed statistic, but it's still a bit jarring to see a player with his offensive production throwing up a negative +/-.

Any insights as to how much he gives up defensively at BU, and what might explain it? Usage? Bad luck this season?

 

[FriarChill]

I really liked his defensive game during WJC, actually i was a bit surprised how good he looked defensively. I was a little bit "disappointed" in his offensive game but that's probably because he didnt have to do too much with those forwards on the team.

 

[LesCanadiens]

I haven't watched Hutson at the NCAA level. He was good offensively at the WJHC-20, but seemed to struggle a bit in his own zone defensively.

I realize that +/- is a very flawed statistic, but it's still a bit jarring to see a player with his offensive production throwing up a negative +/-.

Any insights as to how much he gives up defensively at BU, and what might explain it? Usage? Bad luck this season?

I'm sure those who live near and follow BU closer can better tell...but I have watched lots of footage of him so well covered here and on YouTube by @montreal. And I have managed to catch several full games.

Having said all that. In the most simple terms: He plays a TON of minutes 5v5 (and FWIW PP and PK). And defense isn't his strength. Thus the poor +/-.

 

[Whileee]

I'm sure those who live near and follow BU closer can better tell...but I have watched lots of footage of him so well covered here and on YouTube by @montreal. And I have managed to catch several full games.

Having said all that. In the most simple terms: He plays a TON of minutes 5v5 (and FWIW PP and PK). And defense isn't his strength. Thus the poor +/-.

I understand he plays a ton, but his team is +28 in goals overall this season, suggesting that the team is doing much worse in goal differential with him on the ice. Maybe it's just the vagaries of on-ice +/- statistics, but the opposing team must be scoring bundles when he's in the ice, considering how much offense he creates.

 

[Junohockeyfan]

I understand he plays a ton, but his team is +28 in goals overall this season, suggesting that the team is doing much worse in goal differential with him on the ice. Maybe it's just the vagaries of on-ice +/- statistics, but the opposing team must be scoring bundles when he's in the ice, considering how much offense he creates.

He plays the most minutes and is given the most difficult assignments. He played the most minutes in the WJHC as well. And for a reason - because he's a versatile and reliable dman.

+/- isn't a stat that determines a players individual defensive shortcomings. If it was, players like Kyle Connor would be considered a defensive liability.

 

[Whileee]

He plays the most minutes and is given the most difficult assignments. He played the most minutes in the WJHC as well. And for a reason - because he's a versatile and reliable dman.

+/- isn't a stat that determines a players individual defensive shortcomings. If it was, players like Kyle Connor would be considered a defensive liability.

Kyle Connor is definitely a defensive liability.

Players that play huge minutes like Hutson get lots of minutes against weak competition, too.

 

[Junohockeyfan]

Kyle Connor is definitely a defensive liability.

Players that play huge minutes like Hutson get lots of minutes against weak competition, too.

Players that play huge minutes do so for a reason. If they were a defensive liability, they wouldn't play huge minutes.

Lane Hutson transitions from D to O better than any dman in college hockey. That is why he is given huge minutes. That's why he led the WJHC gold medalists in icetime.

 

[LesCanadiens]

I understand he plays a ton, but his team is +28 in goals overall this season, suggesting that the team is doing much worse in goal differential with him on the ice. Maybe it's just the vagaries of on-ice +/- statistics, but the opposing team must be scoring bundles when he's in the ice, considering how much offense he creates.

I disagree with juno on other topics, but he's right that +/- doesn't tell a complete story in every case. For example, you mention the team's plus 28 overall goal differential. That would include all kinds of goals, including pp. Whereas +/- does not include pp goals for individual players. And Lane has 6 pp goals this year. And likely lots and lots of pp assists (I couldn't find any stats for pp assists). So his defense/offense net positive ratio likely leans well into the positive side.

I don't agree with juno about his defensive play. In my view, I can't see his already very suspect defensive game looking anything but worse vs grown men in the NHL. And don't get me wrong, it's not for lack of will and effort. I think Lane is a very focused and determined young man...but there is only so far that can take a small defenseman who is challenged skating backwards. I still see him as a convert to wing, playing the point on the PP. It's not a view everyone agrees with, but it's my view.

I want Hutson to be a star for the Habs. I think he can be Denis Savard-Lite as a winger. Otherwise, I think he'd have to play very sheltered minutes on D and likely warm the bench at crucial stages in games. And that would be a massive waste of such a special offensively talented player. JMHO.

 

[Whileee]

I disagree with juno on other topics, but he's right that +/- doesn't tell a complete story in every case. For example, you mention the team's plus 28 overall goal differential. That would include all kinds of goals, including pp. Whereas +/- does not include pp goals for individual players. And Lane has 6 pp goals this year. And likely lots and lots of pp assists (I couldn't find any stats for pp assists). So his defense/offense net positive ratio likely leans well into the positive side.

I don't agree with juno about his defensive play. In my view, I can't see his already very suspect defensive game looking anything but worse vs grown men in the NHL. And don't get me wrong, it's not for lack of will and effort. I think Lane is a very focused and determined young man...but there is only so far that can take a small defenseman who is challenged skating backwards. I still see him as a convert to wing, playing the point on the PP. It's not a view everyone agrees with, but it's my view.

I want Hutson to be a star for the Habs. I think he can be Denis Savard-Lite as a winger. Otherwise, I think he'd have to play very sheltered minutes on D and likely warm the bench at crucial stages in games. And that would be a massive waste of such a special offensively talented player. JMHO.

Tracking microstats at the World Juniors from Mitch Brown demonstrate that whereas Hutson was very strong on offense and in transition, his defensive metrics were quite poor. Watching Team USA play in the WJ, I saw Hutson's obvious strengths with the puck, especially outside his zone, but he looked quite shaky on D at times, especially vs. bigger and faster forwards.

 

[LesCanadiens]

Tracking microstats at the World Juniors from Mitch Brown demonstrate that whereas Hutson was very strong on offense and in transition, his defensive metrics were quite poor. Watching Team USA play in the WJ, I saw Hutson's obvious strengths with the puck, especially outside his zone, but he looked quite shaky on D at times, especially vs. bigger and faster forwards.
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Oh, I understand. I agree and take issue with the dumb awards they hand out. I think they go on hype vs actual performance. He did look better defensively in the gold medal game. But I saw what you saw overall. And he sacrificed a lot of offense the last couple games for defense. So what's the point trying to put a square peg in a round hole and kill his strength (offense) to make him "steadier" on defense. Might as well just dress a true stay at home d man.

I'm saying that in BU, he easily compensates by the absolutely filthy and vulgar offensive stats. He's a superstar offensively. Elite by every sense of the word. I just wish they consider making him a winger. As I think he'll get devoured in the NHL. I can't see him going up against McDavid, Kucherov or even guys like Stone.

I have little doubt he's going to be an offensive star in the NHL. I just don't see him as a regular defenseman. But maybe he'll prove me wrong. I hope so.

 

[Deep Blue Metallic]

Would running PP1 and playing 2nd-pairing, sheltered, o-zone start heavy, minutes with a quality defender who can clean up his inevitable defensive mistakes be such a bad result for the 62OA pick?

Fairly certain Habs management will be grinning ear-to-ear if Hutson can get to even that level.

 

[WTG]

I have doubts about him being an offensive star. He's great at this level, but it's college, and there is a lot of space. I just went back and watched the Jan 13th game to see how Willander is doing, and they are on the same pairing. There are things to really like about his game; he's such a fantastic skater and handles the puck extremely well, with good edges.

However, I do not think his brain is as quick as his feet. Chaotic is a word I would describe him as. He often misreads where his teammates are, leading to quite a few turnovers all over the ice. Hutson also hangs onto the puck for way too long, causing him to skate himself into trouble. He rarely makes a lateral pass in the transition; instead, he forces it up the ice whenever he can.

I think it would serve him well to move into a more structured league where he learns how to calm down and simplify his game a bit. The talent is there, but I wonder if playing in the NCAA might hurt his development because he is getting rewarded for the way he's playing. And the way he's playing is most likely not going to work in the NHL where players are bigger, faster, smarter, and there is WAY less space.

Hutson has all the tools and talents. But maybe a year or two in the AHL will do him some good. But maybe I'm dead wrong, who knows.

 

[WarriorofTime]

Would running PP1 and playing 2nd-pairing, sheltered, o-zone start heavy, minutes with a quality defender who can clean up his inevitable defensive mistakes be such a bad result for the 62OA pick?

Fairly certain Habs management will be grinning ear-to-ear if Hutson can get to even that level.

Obviously not, if he does that of course.

 

[Ezpz]

I have doubts about him being an offensive star. He's great at this level, but it's college, and there is a lot of space. I just went back and watched the Jan 13th game to see how Willander is doing, and they are on the same pairing. There are things to really like about his game; he's such a fantastic skater and handles the puck extremely well, with good edges.

However, I do not think his brain is as quick as his feet. Chaotic is a word I would describe him as. He often misreads where his teammates are, leading to quite a few turnovers all over the ice. Hutson also hangs onto the puck for way too long, causing him to skate himself into trouble. He rarely makes a lateral pass in the transition; instead, he forces it up the ice whenever he can.

I think it would serve him well to move into a more structured league where he learns how to calm down and simplify his game a bit. The talent is there, but I wonder if playing in the NCAA might hurt his development because he is getting rewarded for the way he's playing. And the way he's playing is most likely not going to work in the NHL where players are bigger, faster, smarter, and there is WAY less space.

Hutson has all the tools and talents. But maybe a year or two in the AHL will do him some good. But maybe I'm dead wrong, who knows.

He is going to be in the AHL regardless next year and get the chance to run Laval after an adjustment period. Habs have five guys at LHD who need NHL spots in Matheson, Guhle, Harris, Struble and Xhekaj. Harris can play his offside and Marty experimented with Guhle at RD last night but it's still stiff competition with only Xhekaj and Struble being waiver exempt. I can't imagine Hughes moves a guy out before Hutson, Reinbacher and Mailloux prove themselves.

 

[LesCanadiens]

I have doubts about him being an offensive star. He's great at this level, but it's college, and there is a lot of space. I just went back and watched the Jan 13th game to see how Willander is doing, and they are on the same pairing. There are things to really like about his game; he's such a fantastic skater and handles the puck extremely well, with good edges.

However, I do not think his brain is as quick as his feet. Chaotic is a word I would describe him as. He often misreads where his teammates are, leading to quite a few turnovers all over the ice. Hutson also hangs onto the puck for way too long, causing him to skate himself into trouble. He rarely makes a lateral pass in the transition; instead, he forces it up the ice whenever he can.

I think it would serve him well to move into a more structured league where he learns how to calm down and simplify his game a bit. The talent is there, but I wonder if playing in the NCAA might hurt his development because he is getting rewarded for the way he's playing. And the way he's playing is most likely not going to work in the NHL where players are bigger, faster, smarter, and there is WAY less space.

Hutson has all the tools and talents. But maybe a year or two in the AHL will do him some good. But maybe I'm dead wrong, who knows.

I think this is accurate. He tends to turnover the puck too much. But this is the one area that I believe is fixable with good coaching. He'll be taught pro tips and set plays to integrate him in a more organized system. No way I see him going straight to the NHL. He'll be in Laval. I don't think his issues are from poor IQ. Just immaturity and overzealousness. I also think chemistry may play into it. He's so far ahead with his offensive hockey sense, that not everyone not named Celebrini clicks well with him. Him and Celebrini both know where each other is in the O zone. He has to play with highly skilled players.

 

[LeProspector]

Dissapoimtimg season?

 

[ddlennon]

Klingberg type effect in the nhl then? (not this current one the prime dallas one )

 

[JianYang]

I disagree with juno on other topics, but he's right that +/- doesn't tell a complete story in every case. For example, you mention the team's plus 28 overall goal differential. That would include all kinds of goals, including pp. Whereas +/- does not include pp goals for individual players. And Lane has 6 pp goals this year. And likely lots and lots of pp assists (I couldn't find any stats for pp assists). So his defense/offense net positive ratio likely leans well into the positive side.

I don't agree with juno about his defensive play. In my view, I can't see his already very suspect defensive game looking anything but worse vs grown men in the NHL. And don't get me wrong, it's not for lack of will and effort. I think Lane is a very focused and determined young man...but there is only so far that can take a small defenseman who is challenged skating backwards. I still see him as a convert to wing, playing the point on the PP. It's not a view everyone agrees with, but it's my view.

I want Hutson to be a star for the Habs. I think he can be Denis Savard-Lite as a winger. Otherwise, I think he'd have to play very sheltered minutes on D and likely warm the bench at crucial stages in games. And that would be a massive waste of such a special offensively talented player. JMHO.

If they convert him to the wing at this point, I think he's going to become a a very specialized player. I can't think of a precedent of a defenseman moving to forward that late and having an impact.

Byfuglien is perhaps one, but he's a completely different type of player, and his run at forward was temporary.

I recall the Habs doing this with streit but it didn't quite work the same and he went back to full time defense the moment he left the organization.

 

[Kudo Shinichi]

Dissapoimtimg season?

Why?
From an offensive point of view, last season he had 15 goals and 48 pts in 39 games, and this season he's on pace for 21 goals and 53 pts in 39 games

 

[Sam de Mtl]

Klingberg type effect in the nhl then? (not this current one the prime dallas one )

I could see something like that. A guy that outsiders may perceive as a #1 defenseman because of flashy offensive stats, but isn't that. It mostly depends if he gets top 4 TOI or not. If pairings turn out as Guhle - Mailloux and Hutson - Reinbacher, then that type of projection could make sense. However, if he is more a 3rd Pairing guy, he won't generate that type of buzz.

I have my doubts about Hutson, but I do think he is our best option at a real PP qb in the type of Makar that we saw play last night. I'm not comparing them, but I see some passing and qbing skills that I don't see in most of our other defensive prospects.

 

[LeProspector]

Why?
From an offensive point of view, last season he had 15 goals and 48 pts in 39 games, and this season he's on pace for 21 goals and 53 pts in 39 games

Normally you’d expect more than just 4 points more if production from one season to the next, that’s only pace too. pace doesn‘t matter, production does. and he is still a liability in his own end.

 

[The Gr8 Dane]

Would running PP1 and playing 2nd-pairing, sheltered, o-zone start heavy, minutes with a quality defender who can clean up his inevitable defensive mistakes be such a bad result for the 62OA pick?

Fairly certain Habs management will be grinning ear-to-ear if Hutson can get to even that level.

I think that's where most level headed fans think he will slot in eventually , anything more would be a bonus , anything less would be a slight disappointment

 

[EveryDay]

Normally you’d expect more than just 4 points more if production from one season to the next, that’s only pace too. pace doesn‘t matter, production does. and he is still a liability in his own end.

Is he? He was the most used player at the WJC playing top PP and top PK for the gold medal team.

 

[WhiskeyYerTheDevils]

Tracking microstats at the World Juniors from Mitch Brown demonstrate that whereas Hutson was very strong on offense and in transition, his defensive metrics were quite poor. Watching Team USA play in the WJ, I saw Hutson's obvious strengths with the puck, especially outside his zone, but he looked quite shaky on D at times, especially vs. bigger and faster forwards.
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This aligns with what I saw. He was certainly better as the tournament went on but all in all wasn't very good defensively. Curious - do you have access to Casey's tournament card?

 

[Kudo Shinichi]

Normally you’d expect more than just 4 points more if production from one season to the next, that’s only pace too. pace doesn‘t matter, production does.

No lol. Do you even realize how great of an achievement it is for a defenseman to score 53 pts or even 48 pts in the NCAA? 53 pts would have him tied for the most points by a defenseman since 1997-98. Hutson is producing/on pace for historic numbers.

and he is still a liability in his own end.

Absolutely not true.