Lane Hutson, the young Montreal Canadiens defenseman, isn’t just racking up points—he’s earning praise from some of the NHL’s most respected voices. With 9 points in 10 games this season, Hutson has sparked comparisons that might seem premature… if they weren’t coming from Quinn Hughes, Zach Werenski, and Cale Makar.
Quinn Hughes, captain of the Vancouver Canucks, didn’t hesitate to say Hutson reminds him of himself. “He’s very similar to me. He’ll have to keep improving, and it won’t always be smooth sailing. But he’s got the right mindset to succeed in Montreal,” Hughes said. He even suggested Hutson could take on a leadership role in the near future.
Zach Werenski of the Columbus Blue Jackets was even more direct: “It’s incredible. Over 60 points—I was definitely following along. You can’t miss him when you play against him. He’s so talented. I’m a big Lane Hutson fan.” Werenski also emphasized Hutson’s impact on the growth of American hockey.
Cale Makar, star of the Colorado Avalanche and one of the league’s top offensive defensemen, praised Hutson’s ability to contribute in his rookie year. “It’s impressive. He’s only going to get better. There’s a side of his game people haven’t seen yet,” he said, hinting at untapped potential.
With 66 points in his first full NHL season, Hutson is already positioning himself among the league’s elite. And if he keeps up this pace, it wouldn’t be far-fetched to see him enter the Norris Trophy conversation sooner than expected.
Are we witnessing the rise of a new superstar—or projecting too much onto a precocious talent? One thing’s certain: when three of the NHL’s best defensemen speak up, the debate is officially on.