The Montreal Canadiens are no strangers to having talented players on their squad. Over the years, the likes of Carey Price and Saku Koivu have graced the franchise with their presence. In recent years, Cole Caufield, Nick Suzuki, Patrik Laine, and now, Lane Hutson, have all impressed with their respective skills.
Recently, a conversation is brewing around Hutson. Particularly, addressing his strengths and weaknesses. NHL legend Sergei Gonchar is the latest to chime in on the Calder-winning Canadiens’ defender and how he “has potential.”
Sergei Gonchar Speaks About Canadiens’ Defenseman, Lane Hutson
Gonchar is an NHL alumnus who was drafted 14th overall by the Washington Capitals in 1992. He spoke with Daria Tuboltseva of RG Media about the Calder-winning defender.
“I’ve watched his games,” Gonchar told Tuboltseva. “Offensively, he’s very strong, but he needs to build his defensive side and get stronger physically. Makar is more solid. In the playoffs, toughness is key.”
“Hutson has potential, but the next couple of years will be critical for how he develops after that first success.”
Indeed, scoring 66 points as a rookie defender is a success. Not only is that difficult to do as a rookie, but it’s also hard to do if you are a veteran. Only Cale Makar, Zach Werenski, Quinn Hughes, Rasmus Dahlin, Evan Bouchard, and Victor Hedman were blueliners to record more points than Hutson last year.
Yes, he won’t be a gritty Aaron Ekblad-esque blueliner. But scoring 66 points is beyond impressive for a defender.
Canadiens’ Alumni See Hutson’s Potential
Earlier in August, Canadiens legends Larry Robinson and Serge Savard revealed their thoughts on the young phenom.
“He’s probably the most talented player the Canadiens have had since Guy Lafleur,” Savard said to NHL.com. “Ever since I saw him, from the very beginning, I said he was the Canadiens’ best player.”
“I was convinced early on that he would be a big star in the National Hockey League.”
“It’s exciting for the city of Montreal to have a player like Hutson,” Robinson added. “It reminds me a lot of what people used to say in Wayne Gretzky‘s day. They said he wasn’t big enough and that he was going to get hurt. Look at what he’s done, it’s not so bad!”
“The things he can do, not many people can do that,” Savard concluded.
Canadiens’ Hutson Not Guaranteed an Olympic Team Roster Spot
Hutson does not have an invitation to Team USA’s Orientation Camp for the Olympics. While this won’t make or break his season, it’s a badge of pride for these players to represent their countries on the world stage.
Although he didn’t receive an invitation, it doesn’t mean he won’t play for the team. The first few months of the season will be crucial for the defender to receive Olympic consideration.
A strong start should at least set him up to be considered for a roster position on Team USA. However, his odds aren’t good, as another small king (Quinn Hughes) would undoubtedly play a similar role to Hutson and is already a virtual lock to make the team.
One way or another, Hutson has his work cut out for him – whether he plays for Team USA or just the Canadiens.
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