Boston U. defenseman Lane Hutson.
The Canadiens have signed top defense prospect Lane Hutson to an entry-level contract, Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman reports Friday.
The 20-year-old’s sophomore season at Boston University ended Thursday when the Terriers were eliminated in the semifinals of the NCAA National Championship, upset 2-1 in overtime by Denver.
Hutson won’t make his NHL debut Saturday against the Senators but could suit up in the Canadiens’ two remaining contests against the Red Wings, says Sportsnet’s Eric Engels.
Montreal confirmed it’s a three-year deal beginning immediately for Hutson, meaning he’ll be an RFA upon expiration in 2026. It didn’t disclose financial terms.
Hutson, a left-shot, landed first in the Canadiens prospect pool in Scott Wheeler’s 2024 rankings for The Athletic, continuing a meteoric rise in the diminutive defender’s stock.
Many public scouts viewed him as a potential first-round selection in the 2022 draft but slipped to Montreal at 62nd overall late in the second round with many clubs scared off by his 5-foot-8 frame. He’s now listed at 5-foot-10 and 161 pounds nearly two years later.
It’s been an exemplary two years for Hutson at BU. Serving as an alternate captain this season, he led all NCAA blueliners in scoring with 49 points, tied with 2024 draft-eligible Zeev Buium, who’s now moving on to the national championship game tomorrow with Denver. His 1.29 points per game were solely in first place, making him a Hobey Baker Award nominee for the top collegiate player for a second straight season.
He put up quite similar totals in his freshman campaign, earning him Hockey East All-Star credits in both seasons. His 48 points in 39 games in 2022-23 broke Hall of Famer Brian Leetch’s records for the most points by a U-19 defenseman in an NCAA season.
The Illinois-born defender has also suited up for Team USA in each of the last two World Junior Championships, winning bronze in 2023 and gold in 2024 while totaling a goal and nine assists across 14 tournament games.
Some concerns remain about his undersized frame and his lack of ability to box out NHL forwards in front of his net, likely dampening his long-term value only slightly.
He’s still a possession monster and an incredibly high-volume shooter with excellent agility and playmaking skills, and he has first-pair upside if partnered with a larger, defensively intelligent blueliner. Even if he can’t handle those minutes at even strength, he’s a slam dunk to quarterback the Habs’ top power play unit soon.
Hutson will likely remain in the NHL next season but will need to unseat other young Montreal defenders like Justin Barron, Jayden Struble, Arber Xhekaj, or the older Johnathan Kovacevic for a roster spot. All are either signed for next season or otherwise under team control.
Want more articles like this? Follow Pro Hockey Rumors on MSN to see more of our exclusive NHL content.
More must-reads:
Trending slideshow: Every Hart Trophy winner of the NHL’s Expansion Era (Provided by Yardbarker)
News Related-
High court unanimously ruled indefinite detention was unlawful while backing preventive regime
-
Cheika set for contract extension as another Wallabies head coaching candidate slips by
-
Analysis-West's de-risking starts to bite China's prospects
-
'Beyond a joke' Labor won't ensure PTSD protections: MP
-
Formula One season driver ratings: Lando Norris shines as Max Verstappen nears perfection
-
Catalina golfer Tony Riches scores Guinness World Record four holes in one on same hole
-
Florida coach Billy Napier fires assistants Sean Spencer, Corey Raymond with expected staff shakeup ahead
-
Rohingyan refugee NZYQ accidentally named in documents published by high court
-
Colorado loses commitments of 2 more high school recruits
-
Queensland Health issues urgent patient safety alert over national bacteria outbreak
-
Townsville Community Pantry 'distressed' by fruit, vegetable waste at Aldi supermarket
-
What Is The Beaver Moon And What Does It Mean For You?
-
Labor senator Pat Dodson to resign from politics due to health issues
-
Hamas releases 11 more hostages, as Israel agrees to extend ceasefire