Lane Hutson. This name comes up more and more in conversations, even among NHL players.
The Montreal Canadiens defenseman, drafted 62nd in 2022, is now seen as a superior player to Matvei Michkov, selected seventh overall in 2023 by the Philadelphia Flyers.
Nothing less. And it’s not just journalists who say that. Nikita Zadorov, a respected league veteran, recently said that Hutson is already ahead of several young talents, Michkov included.
“Lane Hutson is simply exceptional. What he accomplishes at such a young age, especially at his position, is incredible. He proves that no matter where you are drafted, your work and talent determine your future. » Zadorov said.
You have to believe that the late choice of Kent Hughes in 2022 still has repercussions.
Hutson, on defense, offers something that Michkov, on offense, simply can’t match: complete impact on the game.
When you’re the quarterback of your team’s first power play, it’s worth gold. And when that role is occupied by a 19-year-old defenseman in Montreal, one of the most demanding cities in the NHL, it’s not just impressive, it’s unique.
The role of an offensive defenseman in the NHL, particularly on the power play, is not limited to distributing passes or shooting shots from the blue line.
Hutson controls the tempo of the game. He anticipates, he creates, he manages the pressure. It’s not just a player who “follows the wave”, he is the one who creates it.
Compared to Michkov, a pure winger, Hutson has a much more central role. In a tight match, it is often the defender who can tip the scales by creating openings where there are none.
And let’s say it: Hutson is changing the perception of small defenders. At 5-foot-10 and 161 pounds, he proves you don’t have to be a colossus to dominate.
His vision of the game and his ability to adapt quickly more than compensate for what some might see as “physical weaknesses”. This guy is a pure hockey player. Point.
For his part, Michkov is a raw but limited talent. Please note, we are not saying that Michkov is a bad player.
Far from it. But between being talented and having a lasting impact in the NHL, there is a world of difference.
Yes, Michkov has been compared to guys like Artemi Panarin and Patrick Kane for his offensive flair, but his role remains limited. He’s a finisher, a scorer.
Basically, he depends a lot on his teammates to showcase his talent. Hutson can change the course of a game just with his presence on the ice.
And we must not forget either that Michkov is playing in a team that is floundering. The Philadelphia Flyers are far from competitive, which doesn’t help his development.
But hey, even taking that into account, it’s hard to see how Michkov could catch up to Hutson in terms of overall impact on a team.
We must give back to Caesar what belongs to Caesar: Kent Hughes was right with Hutson.
When Montreal selected him in the second round, many thought it was a risky bet. Today, that bet is paying huge dividends.
-This is the kind of choice that could redefine the Canadiens’ defense for the next 10 years.
And the ironic part of it all is that this same vision could now mitigate criticism surrounding another controversial pick: David Reinbacher at fifth overall in 2023, while Michkov was still available.
If Hutson is a glimpse of what the Canadiens’ management can accomplish by identifying underappreciated talent, we can understand why they took a gamble on Reinbacher.
Nikita Zadorov hasn’t minced his words recently. When he spoke of Hutson, his praise was unequivocal:
“Lane Hutson is a phenomenon. No matter where he was drafted, his impact is undeniable. He plays like a veteran, and it’s rare to see such a young defender with such control of the game.”
These comments reinforce the idea that Hutson is not just a good player for his age, but that he is already in a category of his own. For a guy who was drafted 62nd overall, that’s quite an accomplishment.
And that’s no small thing when those words come from a veteran like Zadorov, a guy who has played against the best.
But be careful…
It is still necessary to qualify. Michkov remains an extremely young player, and his future is far from written.
And we know, the NHL is a league where the paths are never linear. Who would have thought, two years ago, that Hutson would become a cornerstone for the Canadian?
Maybe in two years, Mishkov will hit his stride and become a consistent offensive threat.
At the same time, we cannot ignore that Hutson’s position works in his favor. Being a defender who can dictate the pace of a game is much rarer than being an elite scorer.
And for now, Hutson is showing that he is capable of having that impact, night after night.
Hutson and Michkov will always be compared, and that’s a good thing. It adds spice to the NHL, and it gives ammunition to heated debates between fans.
But today, if we had to choose between the two, Hutson has the advantage. His versatility, his hockey intelligence and his immediate impact place him a notch above.
Time will tell if this hierarchy will change, but for now, the Montreal Canadiens are relishing their find, while the Flyers are hoping Michkov can one day match his potential.
One thing is certain: these two players will not fail to be talked about in the years to come.
AMEN
