Defender Lane Hutson, jewel of the Montreal Canadiens, continues to confuse his detractors, and this time, it is Corey Pronman, journalist and NHL prospects specialist for The Athletic, who is paying the price.
With a brilliant three-assist performance in a convincing CH 5-3 victory over Utah, Hutson brought his total to 35 points in 43 games, confirming his status as an exceptional rookie and bringing Montreal closer to a playoff spot.
But as the city celebrates the meteoric rise of its young prodigy, Pronman’s recent statements about Hutson are back in the face.
Ranked 39th in his rating of 23-and-under prospects, Hutson, according to Pronman, is just a “low-level prospect,” a statement that, after last night, seems like a desperate attempt to downplay an undeniable talent.
With 35 points in 43 games, Hutson isn’t just leading the NHL in scoring among NHL rookies: he’s redefining what it means to be a young offensive defenseman in an increasingly fast-paced and competitive league.
His three assists against Utah demonstrate his exceptional vision of the game, his ability to create opportunities, and his constant impact on the ice.
For a player Pronman considers “limited defensively,” Hutson demonstrates a tactical intelligence that more than makes up for any reservations about his physicality.
His ease in restarting the attack and generating chances in the offensive zone makes him a key player in CH’s race towards the playoffs.
In his ranking published Tuesday, Pronman had reservations about Hutson, placing him in the fifth third, that of mid-lineup players. He notably wrote:
“The doubt is limited to his defense. He’s a small defenseman with good skating, but not great, and he’s not very physical.
He has so much offense that he could still be a top 4 defender, but he could also allow a lot of goals against. »
While these comments might seem unreasonable in a purely speculative context, Hutson’s recent performances make them almost absurd.
He’s not a “mid-lineup defender” that fans saw tonight: he’s a player who dictates the pace of the game and who directly contributes to his team’s success.
Pronman’s criticism of Hutson’s skating has also been called into question. Although not considered an elite skater by the reporter, Hutson uses his mobility and agility to outperform much more physical players.
His “small size” does not prevent him from competing with the best, thanks to his intelligence and his positioning.
The discomfort is unbearable for Corey Pronman, who sees his evaluation of Hutson being demolished with each game.
Social media was quick to mock his comments, calling his criticism “ridiculous” and “ill-informed.”
“Lane Hutson just ruined Corey Pronman’s career. The guy is on fire, and Pronman has him 39th. Seriously ? »
“What Hutson did tonight was anything but a low-level player. Pronman better review his rankings. »
“Pronman, the official Montreal simpleton. You can’t be more wrong than that. »
Fans, pumped as ever by Hutson’s rise to prominence, have not hesitated to criticize what they perceive as an unwarranted attempt to downplay the defenseman’s accomplishments.
The win over Utah isn’t just about Lane Hutson. The Canadian, often mocked for his rebuild, is now on the verge of making the playoffs, a feat that seemed out of reach a few months ago.
Young players, including Nick Suzuki, Cole Caufield, and now Hutson, carry this team with a mix of raw talent and determination.
Hutson, in particular, embodies the future of CH. His 35 points in 43 games aren’t just a statistic: they’re a statement to the entire league and a slap in the face to everyone who doubted him.
Corey Pronman, in calling Lane Hutson a low-level prospect, made a monumental mistake.
The CH defenseman, far from being a limited player, is redefining what it means to be a rookie in the modern NHL.
Hutson shines not only with his statistics, but with his impact on every match, his calmness under pressure, and his ability to elevate his team.
With each point added to his counter, he destroys not only the expectations, but also the credibility of those who did not believe in him.
As for Pronman, he is left with two options: revise his assessments or continue to live in denial.
What’s clear and clear is that Lane Hutson is here to stay, and he’s just getting started.
