As of right now, the current ranking is.....
Hutson > Cooley > Slaf
Ill admit, Cooley has been the better than Slaf this year. It seems Slaf is having a down year, although I still think he is progressing relative to total points last year. I think he will hit just over 50 this year.
I am sure I will get roasted for this, by everyone including fellow Habs fans....but long term....my vote is.....
Hutson >= Slaf >= Cooley
Hutson is an elite offensive defencemen at 20. A very small part of me worries that players will figure him out...but he has the intelligence to overcome any of that. He is a bulldog on the D side of the game and that part of his game is vastly underrated. He will threaten and likely win a Norris or two in his career. As early as next year. Yeah call me crazy.
Big guys typically take longer to develop. Slaf is still learning to understand his body and play to his size and skill set. He has a skill set that can make him a dominant power forward in the NHL. He will be a beast come playoff time. Maybe I'm wrong, but Ill hold out hope that he becomes a Rantanen level talent. My description of him lately is someone who won't carry guys that are worse than him, but will make guys better than him better. If that makes any sense.
Cooley -- from what I've seen -- has insane vision and a very high motor. He is a playmaker and extremely skilled guy. His skill set is a little less unique than what I hope/think Slaf's will become and thus I have him slightly less than Slaf long term. Right now though...he is ahead of Slaf. I wouldn't have said that last year, but I've gotta be honest with my current assessment. Long term he will be a #1 centre for a long time in this league and will be able to carry a line.