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

[Jeune Poulet]

Not so sure about that. If the PP struggle early on he would be the 1st name that come to mind to change things up.

The only person with an outside shot at displacing Matheson is Guhle.

Hutson will be lucky to even play in the NHL this season.

We have tons of options on that side, so he'd have to be really dominant to make the squad. Both he and the organisation would likely be better served long term if we send him to the AHL this season.

 

[The Last Red]

The only person with an outside shot at displacing Matheson is Guhle.

Hutson will be lucky to even play in the NHL this season.

We have tons of options on that side, so he'd have to be really dominant to make the squad. Both he and the organisation would likely be better served long term if we send him to the AHL this season.

Hutson is unlikely to ever play a game in the AHL.

 

[Leafshater67]

As a leafs fan (despite the ironic username), I’ve gotta check in and say I really like and appreciate what they’re doing in Montreal and where it’s trending. A big part of that to me is Lane Hutson.

I am super intrigued by him and I think he will prove a lot of people wrong. Montreal’s future looks in bright hands unlike my team and I envy the excitement their fans must have for guys breaking out like Hutson, Dach, Slav, Caufield and even a Laine rebound. There’s a lot of good stories on this team and it’s clear they prioritize high skill level over all else.

 

[Frank Drebin]

The only person with an outside shot at displacing Matheson is Guhle.

Hutson will be lucky to even play in the NHL this season.

We have tons of options on that side, so he'd have to be really dominant to make the squad. Both he and the organisation would likely be better served long term if we send him to the AHL this season.

I would bet my left nut Hutson is in the lineup opening night

He may eventually struggle and need to get sent down for but I’m certain they have plans for him to be an nhler this year

 

[WhiskeyYerTheDevils]

The only person with an outside shot at displacing Matheson is Guhle.

Hutson will be lucky to even play in the NHL this season.

We have tons of options on that side, so he'd have to be really dominant to make the squad. Both he and the organisation would likely be better served long term if we send him to the AHL this season.

If Hutson doesn't make the Habs, they better have a top 5 D core in the league.

Matheson had a productive year but is a massive defensive liability at 5v5, even moreso than I expect Hutson to be. Both guys can get lost in their own zone, but Hutson has much better escapability and composure when evading forecheck pressure and breaking the puck out. He's also a more responsible puck mover through the neutral zone. Matheson is stronger defending around the net, but he's still very poor there as well.

I would probably take Hutson over him as a PP QB right now as well.

I'm sure it won't start out this way, but I'd predict Hutson takes the PP1 QB job by the end of the season, much like Fox did vs DeAngelo in New York.

I'd probably run something like:

Matheson - Guhle
Hutson - Savard
Struble - Barron
Xhekaj, Reinbacher

 

[WhiskeyYerTheDevils]

I would bet my left nut Hutson is in the lineup opening night

He may eventually struggle and need to get sent down for but I’m certain they have plans for him to be an nhler this year

I'd be shocked if he got sent down. I think the Habs expect one more season before really contending, so he should have a long leash.

 

[Eegs]

If Hutson doesn't make the Habs, they better have a top 5 D core in the league.

Matheson had a productive year but is a massive defensive liability at 5v5, even moreso than I expect Hutson to be. Both guys can get lost in their own zone, but Hutson has much better escapability and composure when evading forecheck pressure and breaking the puck out. He's also a more responsible puck mover through the neutral zone. Matheson is stronger defending around the net, but he's still very poor there as well.

I would probably take Hutson over him as a PP QB right now as well.

I'm sure it won't start out this way, but I'd predict Hutson takes the PP1 QB job by the end of the season, much like Fox did vs DeAngelo in New York.

I'd probably run something like:

Matheson - Guhle
Hutson - Savard
Struble - Barron
Xhekaj, Reinbacher

Reinbacher has the more known name, but Engstrom might be ahead of him atm. Both need time in the AHL though.

 

[The Last Red]

Reinbacher has the more known name, but Engstrom might be ahead of him atm. Both need time in the AHL though.

Engstrom will be trade bait for a couple of years.

If Hutson doesn't make the Habs, they better have a top 5 D core in the league.

Matheson had a productive year but is a massive defensive liability at 5v5, even moreso than I expect Hutson to be. Both guys can get lost in their own zone, but Hutson has much better escapability and composure when evading forecheck pressure and breaking the puck out. He's also a more responsible puck mover through the neutral zone. Matheson is stronger defending around the net, but he's still very poor there as well.

I would probably take Hutson over him as a PP QB right now as well.

I'm sure it won't start out this way, but I'd predict Hutson takes the PP1 QB job by the end of the season, much like Fox did vs DeAngelo in New York.

I'd probably run something like:

Matheson - Guhle
Hutson - Savard
Struble - Barron
Xhekaj, Reinbacher

Xhekai is ahead of Struble, he might even start in the top four, paired with Savard.

 

[ChesterNimitz]

As a leafs fan (despite the ironic username), I’ve gotta check in and say I really like and appreciate what they’re doing in Montreal and where it’s trending. A big part of that to me is Lane Hutson.

I am super intrigued by him and I think he will prove a lot of people wrong. Montreal’s future looks in bright hands unlike my team and I envy the excitement their fans must have for guys breaking out like Hutson, Dach, Slav, Caufield and even a Laine rebound. There’s a lot of good stories on this team and it’s clear they prioritize high skill level over all else.

A balanced and reasoned opinion. It’s a wonder what competent management can achieve.

 

[CanadienShark]

If Hutson doesn't make the Habs, they better have a top 5 D core in the league.

Matheson had a productive year but is a massive defensive liability at 5v5, even moreso than I expect Hutson to be. Both guys can get lost in their own zone, but Hutson has much better escapability and composure when evading forecheck pressure and breaking the puck out. He's also a more responsible puck mover through the neutral zone. Matheson is stronger defending around the net, but he's still very poor there as well.

I would probably take Hutson over him as a PP QB right now as well.

I'm sure it won't start out this way, but I'd predict Hutson takes the PP1 QB job by the end of the season, much like Fox did vs DeAngelo in New York.

I'd probably run something like:

Matheson - Guhle
Hutson - Savard
Struble - Barron
Xhekaj, Reinbacher

Maybe swap Reinbacher with Mailloux depending on camp/early season play, but this just about nails it. At least in my opinion. I'd also have Xhekaj over Struble, but that's a nitpicky difference.

 

[Jared Dunn]

If Hutson doesn't make the Habs, they better have a top 5 D core in the league.

Matheson had a productive year but is a massive defensive liability at 5v5, even moreso than I expect Hutson to be. Both guys can get lost in their own zone, but Hutson has much better escapability and composure when evading forecheck pressure and breaking the puck out. He's also a more responsible puck mover through the neutral zone. Matheson is stronger defending around the net, but he's still very poor there as well.

I would probably take Hutson over him as a PP QB right now as well.

I'm sure it won't start out this way, but I'd predict Hutson takes the PP1 QB job by the end of the season, much like Fox did vs DeAngelo in New York.

I'd probably run something like:

Matheson - Guhle
Hutson - Savard
Struble - Barron
Xhekaj, Reinbacher

I think you've got the first 7 right but I don't think Reinbacher features in the NHL plans at all to start, and Mailloux is probably still ahead of him on the pecking order. With inevitable injuries and if/when Savard is dealt those two will both see some games

 

[ChesterNimitz]

If Hutson doesn't make the Habs, they better have a top 5 D core in the league.

Matheson had a productive year but is a massive defensive liability at 5v5, even moreso than I expect Hutson to be. Both guys can get lost in their own zone, but Hutson has much better escapability and composure when evading forecheck pressure and breaking the puck out. He's also a more responsible puck mover through the neutral zone. Matheson is stronger defending around the net, but he's still very poor there as well.

I would probably take Hutson over him as a PP QB right now as well.

I'm sure it won't start out this way, but I'd predict Hutson takes the PP1 QB job by the end of the season, much like Fox did vs DeAngelo in New York.

I'd probably run something like:

Matheson - Guhle
Hutson - Savard
Struble - Barron
Xhekaj, Reinbacher

Considering he played 25 to 28 minutes a game with a team composed with 3 of 4 forward lines who were largely AHL quality, a mostly young and inexperienced defence and modest goaltending, Matheson helped Montreal be competitive most games. And all for under $5 million salary.

Unless there is a marked decline in his level of play, Matheson will be Montreal’s top defenceman in all game circumstances this year and next.

 

[Eegs]

Engstrom will be trade bait for a couple of years.

Engstrom will be trade bait for a couple of years.


Xhekai is ahead of Struble, he might even start in the top four, paired with Savard.

Lol, ok. Impressive to be able to predict that far ahead.

 

[Michel Beauchamp]

If Hutson doesn't make the Habs, they better have a top 5 D core in the league.

Matheson had a productive year but is a massive defensive liability at 5v5, even moreso than I expect Hutson to be. Both guys can get lost in their own zone, but Hutson has much better escapability and composure when evading forecheck pressure and breaking the puck out. He's also a more responsible puck mover through the neutral zone. Matheson is stronger defending around the net, but he's still very poor there as well.

I would probably take Hutson over him as a PP QB right now as well.

I'm sure it won't start out this way, but I'd predict Hutson takes the PP1 QB job by the end of the season, much like Fox did vs DeAngelo in New York.

I'd probably run something like:

Matheson - Guhle
Hutson - Savard
Struble - Barron
Xhekaj, Reinbacher

Struble and Reinbacher to the AHL.

3rd pair Xhekaj and Maillous.

7th d Barron.

Barron will be traded at or before the trading deadline.

Struble will be called back (or Reinbacher if there is a spot for him to play immediately).

 

[Michoulicious]

If Hutson doesn't make the Habs, they better have a top 5 D core in the league.

Matheson had a productive year but is a massive defensive liability at 5v5, even moreso than I expect Hutson to be. Both guys can get lost in their own zone, but Hutson has much better escapability and composure when evading forecheck pressure and breaking the puck out. He's also a more responsible puck mover through the neutral zone. Matheson is stronger defending around the net, but he's still very poor there as well.

I would probably take Hutson over him as a PP QB right now as well.

I'm sure it won't start out this way, but I'd predict Hutson takes the PP1 QB job by the end of the season, much like Fox did vs DeAngelo in New York.

I'd probably run something like:

Matheson - Guhle
Hutson - Savard
Struble - Barron
Xhekaj, Reinbacher

Saying that 20 y old Hutson is superior to 30 y old Matheson at this point of their careers is as nuts as, let's say since you are a Devils fan, saying that Seamus Casey is superior to Dougie Hamilton at this point in their careers.

Matheson, for all his warts, is a top 3 D on most NHL teams and one of the best skaters in the league. He was BY FAR the most used player on the Habs roster for a reason.

I think Hutson will run a PP better than Matheson as soon as this year if everything goes well, but I'd pump the brakes for everything else.

I am a big Hutson fan, but the fact he's a 165 lbs 20 years old D just out of college seems to get lost here.

 

[Eegs]

Struble and Reinbacher to the AHL.

3rd pair Xhekaj and Maillous.

7th d Barron.

Barron will be traded at or before the trading deadline.

Struble will be called back (or Reinbacher if there is a spot for him to play immediately).

I'd keep Struble up and send Mailloux down. He needs a lot of work on his defensive game.

I'd like to see if Struble can get a little meaner and if so, he and Xhekaj could be a brutal pair to go up against.

No need to rush Mailloux. He's got plenty to learn, and would be well served doing it in Laval imo.

 

[WhiskeyYerTheDevils]

Saying that 20 y old Hutson is superior to 30 y old Matheson at this point of their careers is as nuts as, let's say since you are a Devils fan, saying that Seamus Casey is superior to Dougie Hamilton at this point in their careers.

Matheson, for all his warts, is a top 3 D on most NHL teams and one of the best skaters in the league. He was BY FAR the most used player on the Habs roster for a reason.

I think Hutson will run a PP better than Matheson as soon as this year if everything goes well, but I'd pump the brakes for everything else.

I am a big Hutson fan, but the fact he's a 165 lbs 20 years old D just out of college seems to get lost here.

I'm not a fan of Matheson or Hamilton. Fox was small coming out of college and still did okay, he was very easily better as a rookie than Matheson is today.

 

[Skinnyjimmy08]

I’ll be very curious how Hutson looks once exhibition games start and into the regular season. Even if there is the slight showing that he’s getting knocked around too much and unable to do everything he is usually able to do out there, I wouldn’t mess around at all and send him to the AHL and let him build huge confidence down there. No reason at all to try to rush him

 

[MXD]

I'm not a fan of Matheson or Hamilton. Fox was small coming out of college and still did okay, he was very easily better as a rookie than Matheson is today.

There's small and there's smaller. Fox was small. Hutson is smaller.

 

[Michoulicious]

I'm not a fan of Matheson or Hamilton. Fox was small coming out of college and still did okay, he was very easily better as a rookie than Matheson is today.

Hutson is also a full year younger (20) than when Fox signed and played with the Rangers (21).

These thing matter a lot at that age, especially for smaller Ds.

Matheson at 30 y old is a pretty solid D. It is no slight at Hutson to say he won't be as good as him as a 20 y old rookie, straight out of the NCAA, that weighs under 170 lbs.

Of course, Hutson's ceiling is very exciting. As a Hab fan I am very enthusiastic and feel we were lucky to be able to draft him as a late 2nd rounder.

Still, I think people's expectations are getting a bit out of control for his rookie pro season.

 

[Bouboumaster]

Winner of the 2024-2025 Calder Trophy AINEC

 

[Essenege]

Winner of the 2024-2025 Calder Trophy AINEC

He’s unironically a good candidate but the field is too strong this year. Celebrini, Michkov, Stankoven (my personal favourite), Smith, and others

 

[WhiskeyYerTheDevils]

Matheson at 30 y old is a pretty solid D. It is no slight at Hutson to say he won't be as good as him as a 20 y old rookie, straight out of the NCAA, that weighs under 170 lbs.

He's really not though

He's a bottom pairing PP specialist who is a defensive liability. He has one season in his entire career with an xG% above 50%.

 

[FerrisRox]

Hutson will be lucky to even play in the NHL this season.

Let us know when you get back from lunch.

 

[strattonius]

He's really not though

View attachment 908231

He's a bottom pairing PP specialist who is a defensive liability. He has one season in his entire career with an xG% above 50%.

The fact you are citing a jfresh chart as proof Matheson is a 3rd pairing d-man is hf comedy gold. You couldn't have outed yourself as less knowledgeable.