In a statement that has sent shockwaves through the hockey world, Montreal Canadiens icon Serge Savard has called rookie Lane Hutson «probably the most talented player» the team has had since Guy Lafleur. These words, spoken at Savard’s annual golf tournament, elevate the young defenseman to a legendary status just in his second season in the NHL.
Savard, a pillar of the Canadiens dynasty, didn’t hesitate to express his admiration for the rookie. «Time will tell, but he’s probably the most talented player the Canadiens have had since Guy Lafleur,» he said. «Ever since I saw him, from the very beginning, I said he was the Canadiens’ best player. I was convinced early on that he would be a big star in the National Hockey League.»
Lane Hutson, a 21-year-old defenseman, has had a spectacular debut season, earning him the Calder Trophy as the NHL’s rookie of the year. He led all rookies in points (66) and assists (60) and was tied for second in the league among defensemen in assists. Despite his size (5-foot-9, 162 pounds), Savard praised his skill and fearlessness. «The things he can do, not many people can do that,» Savard explained. «Naturally, you’re always scared when a 6-foot-4 guy comes from his blind side at 100 miles an hour, but he’s so agile and always finds a way to get out of the way. He’s not afraid to play when a game is very intense.»
Adding to Savard’s praise was fellow Canadiens legend, Larry Robinson, who compared Hutson to Wayne Gretzky due to the initial skepticism they both faced about their size.
Robinson recalled how people used to criticize Hutson’s small stature, which reminded him of the same criticism Gretzky received early in his career. «The first thing everyone said about Hutson was that he was so small he was going to get killed. It reminds me a lot of what people used to say in Wayne Gretzky’s day,» Robinson commented. «Look at what he’s done, it’s not so bad! It’s exciting for the city of Montreal to have a player like Hutson.»
The statements from Savard and Robinson, both Hall of Famers, were made at an event filled with other hockey legends, which underscores the importance and weight of their opinions.