Lane Hutson is in the spotlight, but not for the reasons you’d hope.
After the humiliating 9-2 debacle against the Pittsburgh Penguins, the young Canadian defenseman became the target of the harshest criticism on social networks.
And among these attacks, some are downright gratuitous malice, particularly on the part of opposing supporters.
Maple Leafs fans, in particular, seem to have a grudge against him and revel in every mistake he makes.
Among the crudest comments, we can read gems of sarcasm like:
« Zero goals, zero assists, minus two. What a fantastic showing to help Montreal lose 9-2 on home ice. Another Hutson Asterclass. »
« Lane Hutson is up to a minus 14 this season. Dude is absolutely trash in his own end. Habs fans think he’s Makar 2.0. In reality, he’s Troy Stecher 2.0. »
« Every highlight of Lane Hutson is just him skating around like a headless chicken, trying to dance, and it never leads to anything. Just vibes, no results. »
These kinds of comments send shivers down your spine.
They not only attack his performance, but question his legitimacy as a sensational rookie.
Opposing supporters make fun of his famous feints, these head fakes which are nevertheless one of the key elements of his game.
These critics present him as a flashy player, but without real effectiveness, forgetting that Hutson still collected 19 assists in 26 games. A feat for a 20-year-old defenseman in the NHL.
The game against the Penguins particularly intensified the attacks.
During a sequence in the second period, when the score was still close at 2-1, Hutson poorly covered his man, allowing Bryan Rust to score.
Videos of this error have multiplied online, accompanied by scathing comments:
« Lane Hutson getting exposed AGAIN. Why is this kid even in the NHL? »
« He’s a liability. Not ready for the NHL. Needs a few years in Laval. »
Some have even broadened their scope of criticism by comparing Hutson to other young defenders like Luke Hughes or Thomas Harley, insinuating that he is far behind them in his development.
Sentences like « Hutson will never be more than a third-pairing defenseman. » or even « Send him to the AHL before he destroys his confidence. » invaded
But Hutson is not defenseless. Fans of the Canadian also took up arms, sharing footage showing his calm with the puck and his ability to create offensive openings, even in difficult games.
Yet even these supporters are not immune to ridicule. One particularly venomous sarcastic comment read:
« Habs lose 9-2, waiting for Eric Engels and Arpon Basu to post a Lane Hutson highlight with the caption ‘Elite head fake.’ »
Beyond the criticism, this situation reflects a recurring phenomenon in the world of hockey: jealousy and exaggeration around young talents.
The mockery targeting Hutson is proof that he is already a closely watched player, which speaks volumes about his potential.
As the saying goes, you don’t shoot an insignificant player. Hutson, with his unique qualities, already scares his opponents.
But let’s not lie: the transition to the NHL is far from easy for a young person like him.
At only 162 pounds, he has to deal with larger sizes and a much faster game than what he has known before.
His feints and changes of direction, although spectacular, are not always enough to compensate for his lack of physical strength or his modest shooting from the blue line.
He learns, he adapts, and yes, he makes mistakes. But that’s the price you pay to become an elite player.
What’s striking is that critics forget that Hutson is only 20 years old.
Each player has their own rhythm. What Hutson already brings to the Canadian is valuable: exceptional vision of the game, precision in his passing and audacity rarely seen in a young defender.
As comments proliferate online, it’s crucial to remember that these attacks are often motivated by something other than objective analysis.
Opposing fans, especially those from Toronto, love to denigrate anything related to the Canadian.
Seeing a young talent like Hutson evolve in a market as high-profile as Montreal probably makes them envious. Because after all, who wouldn’t want a Lane Hutson on their team?
And for Hutson, this kind of situation is nothing more than a test.
The great players, those who make history, know how to turn criticism into motivation.
Hutson doesn’t need to respond with words or on social media.
His answer will come on the ice. And when that time comes, those same supporters who are ridiculing him today will have to shut up — and maybe even applaud him.
In the meantime, Canadiens fans should continue to support Hutson.
It is rare to see such a promising player at such a young age.
What he’s going through now is just a rite of passage, an obstacle on the path to greatness.
Those who doubt him today will regret their words tomorrow. Lane Hutson has nothing to prove to these cheap critics. His talent already speaks for itself.
AMEN !
