Martin St-Louis never misses an opportunity to mold his players in his image, and Lane Hutson learned that the hard way today.
During the press briefing following training, the Canadiens head coach took advantage of the cameras to send a clear and straightforward message to his young defender.
“Lane wants to be on the counter-attack, and that’s what makes him dangerous. But, for me, you have to be more calculated. If you’re not already engaged in the rush from the top of the circle, it’s too late. Trying to force a climb at that moment is risky, because the opponent then has a numerical advantage behind us.”declared St-Louis, his tone measured, but the criticism explicit.
The message is clear. Hutson, brilliant with the puck and often spectacular in his climbs, must still learn to choose his moments.
This type of remark, made publicly, shows that St-Louis expects a lot from its protégé. And he’s not afraid to confront him to make sure he reaches his full potential.
Hutson, as usual, took the criticism maturely.
“I want to continue to grow, to improve. In two weeks, I want to be better. In two months, I want to be even further away. There is so much work to do”he told reporters after training.
No pretenses or excuses: the young defender knows he is learning and accepts the challenge to progress.
For St. Louis, this type of public reminder is not trivial.
He plays on two fronts: conveying his message directly to Hutson while reinforcing his pedagogy in front of the rest of the team.
“I want him to be in the rush. He’s dangerous when he’s there. But this danger must not come from forcing, it must come naturally”he clarified, adding an additional layer to his speech.
This approach from St. Louis says a lot about his coaching style. He pushes Hutson to think more on the ice, to balance his offensive instincts with more considered decision-making.
But by putting him in the spotlight in front of the cameras, he also reminds him that the elite does not forgive avoidable mistakes.
For Hutson, these criticisms come as no surprise. He knows that he still has things to learn, especially on his defensive game, and he himself mentioned how much Mike Matheson helped him progress in this facet.
But expectations remain enormous. At 19 years old, Hutson is seen as a gem in the rough, a future centerpiece of the Canadiens blue line. Every detail counts, every lesson must be absorbed.
Martin St-Louis will not give up.
He is not there to freely compliment his players or to spare them when they lack judgment.
Today’s message was clear and direct: talent alone is not enough, especially in a market like Montreal.
Hutson is talented, that’s undeniable. But in the NHL, offensive genius must be combined with iron discipline.
St-Louis knows this better than anyone, and he will do everything to ensure that his young defender learns it quickly.
Development comes through times like this.
St. Louis spoke, the cameras picked up, and now it’s up to Hutson to respond.
To be continued..
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