The start of the Montreal Canadiens’ campaign is not very good. Many believed that with the personnel movements made during the off-season and the emergence of some young talents, the Habs would experience a year very different from the last, which was very difficult.
With nine points in 11 games, the CH is positioned 25th in the National Hockey League (NHL), a level which indicates that the club has not really progressed compared to last year, when it finished 28th in the Bettman circuit. Beyond the ranking, there are few positive aspects to take away from the sample observed so far.
Among these rare positive points, we note the play of Lane Hutson. The young 20-year-old defender has managed to carve out a special place for himself in the hearts of fans and in Martin St-Louis’ lineup. Although some would like to see him more on the massive attack, the former Boston University stood out at five-on-five, garnering praise from several observers. Every time he handles the puck, he manages to create an opportunity. Certainly, he makes a few mistakes, but his offensive contribution more than compensates.
Regarding this contribution, Hutson has yet to find the back of the net since the start of his professional career last year. However, he recorded nine assists, a pretty impressive performance for a player his age.
According to the account X of StatsCentrehe also ranks fourth in history for the greatest number of assists for a defenseman aged 20 or younger in his first 13 career games. The top three ranks are monopolized by NHL legends: Larry Murphy, Phil Housley and Rob Blake, all of whom had ten assists in their first 13 games, one more than Hutson.
The difference between the Sainte-Flanelle protégé and these three athletes is that they all played on winning teams when they started on the circuit. On the other hand, Hutson is part of a team that flirts with the depths of the NHL. Imagine what he could accomplish alongside hockey players capable of realizing the magnificent plays he makes during matches.
Canada
