Lane Hutson is having an exceptional rookie season as a defenseman in the NHL. He has now reached a milestone alongside Chris Chelios, a Hockey Hall of Fame member well-known to Montreal Canadiens fans.
Hutson, aged 21, earned his 64th point of the season with an assist on a goal by Patrik Laine in the second period against the Nashville Predators on Sunday.
This point ties him with Chris Chelios for the most points by a rookie defenseman in Canadiens history. They are currently tied for sixth place for the most points by a rookie defenseman in NHL history. With five games left in Montreal`s regular season after Sunday`s game, Hutson has the opportunity to climb even higher in the rankings. He is just one point away from tying Ray Bourque and four points from Gary Suter for third place.
Originally from Holland, Michigan, Hutson was picked by the Canadiens in the second round (62nd overall) of the 2022 NHL Draft. He had already surpassed Chelios for the most assists by a rookie defenseman in franchise history with two assists against the Panthers on Tuesday.
In his 76 games this season, Hutson has accumulated six goals and 58 assists. His total of 64 points is the highest among all NHL rookies this season, placing him six points ahead of Philadelphia Flyers forward Matvei Michkov.
Notably, Hutson has already surpassed the first-season point totals of prominent defensemen like Cale Makar (50), Quinn Hughes (53), and the legendary Nicklas Lidstrom (60).
Despite this being his first year in the league, Hutson`s impact on the Canadiens is undeniable. His recent assist has made him the team leader in assists and takeaways (52), and he is also tied for the most games played. Hutson is third in total points and blocks (118) for the Canadiens and fifth in average ice time (21:11).
Lane Hutson`s name is already in the record books, and his impressive performance suggests he could be a strong contender for the Calder Trophy.
Tristan Blackwood