Canadiens’ Hutson: first rookie defenseman with 40 assists in fewer than 60 games since 1991-92

Montréal Canadiens rookie defenseman Lane Hutson has become the first rookie to record 40 assists in fewer than 60 games since 1991-92 when Hall of Famer Nicklas Lidstrom did so with the Detroit Red Wings.

Hutson notched his 40th assist on Nick Suzuki’s second goal of the night as the Habs take on the San Jose Sharks.

The 21-year-old Calder Trophy favorite has tallied four goals and 40 assists for 44 points in 59 games this season with the Canadiens. He ranks first among NHL rookies, leading Sharks rookie Macklin Celebrini by just two points.

Hutson scored 15 goals and 34 assists for 49 points in 38 games during the 2023-24 campaign with the Boston University Terriers in the NCAA. Hutson ranked tied for first leaguewide among NCAA defenders with University of Denver defenseman Zeev Buium. Hutson was named a Hobey Baker Nominee and to the NCAA Hockey East First All-Star Team.

Last season’s 48-point run with Boston University was one of the best seasons by a U-19 defenseman in NCAA history, breaking a 35-year-old scoring record set by Brian Leetch. Hutson won the NCAA Hockey East Rookie of the Year Award, NCAA Hockey East Tournament MVP, NCAA New England MVP and was a Hobey Baker Finalist.

Internationally, Hutson has represented Team USA on three occasions once at the Under-18 Men’s Championships and twice at the World Juniors. During the 2024 World Juniors, Hutson led the Americans to a gold medal victory and recorded six assists, the most among defensemen in the tournament.

Daily Faceoff prospect analyst Steven Ellis shared his thoughts on Hutson being the favorite for the Calder Trophy, “Hutson isn’t Montreal’s time-on-ice leader – Michael Matheson leads the way at 24:28. But Hutson’s 22:38 still puts him 44th among all NHLers, which is absurd as a rookie,” Ellis said. “He’s averaging more than 18 minutes a night just at 5-on-5 while also sitting in a tie with Nick Suzuki with a team-leading 13 power-play points. No matter the situation he’s thrown into, Hutson finds a way to be effective – and Since Dec. 1, Hutson is fourth in scoring among all defenders with 17 points in 17 games despite playing the 52nd-most minutes. He’s having such an outstanding season as a minute-munching defenseman, and that should earn him some serious Calder consideration if he can keep things rolling.”