The narrative around Hutson reminds me so much Subban as prospect+first few nhl games, not that they play similar but the narrative. Subban just like Hutson was heavily questioned for his defensive game as the hyped was getting bigger after his amazing WJC, which was to a point a lot of people were saying he would be a trainwreck in the NHL and he is a rover and useless defensively that he would never translate his game to the NHL. While I would not claim Subban was ever the best defender it was quite clear that he had the 'it' factor. I see similar pattern with Hutson, people will constantly run the narrative that he cannot defend and he is too small. But when he has the puck on his stick he is the best player on the Habs, smart, poised, elusive, unreal vision, puckhandling, hustle and ability to generate offense.
I must admit, part of me toned down my expectation last year when people were doubting he would be able to hold a regular spot in a defensive pair and he could only develop as PP specialist as he is a "liability" defensively. I believed that but the more I watch him and I realize this is non sense, this is the guy you want on the ice to generate offense. He is a difference maker and he will have a regular spot in a NHL top pair eventually, he does have that 'it' factor that superstar player has and his weaknesses while still there were way overblown.