Lane Hutson is having an exceptional rookie season, putting him in the company of some hockey legends.
The first-year defenceman for the Montreal Canadiens recorded his 60th point of the season by assisting on Josh Anderson`s goal in the first period against the Florida Panthers on Tuesday.
This assist makes Hutson only the 10th rookie defenceman in the history of the NHL to reach the 60-point mark in a single season. He is now tied for 10th place for most points in a season by a rookie defenceman with Hall of Famer Nicklas Lidstrom, Reed Larson, and Barry Beck. With eight games remaining after Tuesday`s game, Hutson has the potential to surpass notable names such as Chris Chelios (64 points) and Ray Bourque (65 points).
Hutson was selected by Montreal in the second round (62nd overall) of the 2022 NHL Draft. Throughout the 2024-25 season, the 21-year-old has accumulated five goals and 55 assists in 74 games. His 60 points are currently the most among all NHL rookies this season, surpassing Flyers forward Matvei Michkov by two points.
Despite this being his debut year in the league, Hutson`s impact on the Canadiens is undeniable. With his recent assist, the Michigan native now leads the team in assists and takeaways (96). He is also tied for the lead in games played. Hutson also holds the third position on the Canadiens` roster in total points and blocks (109) and ranks fifth in average ice time per game (22:37).
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Tristan Blackwood