BOSTON | Lane Hutson dominated offensively in his first season in the NCAA, becoming the most productive under-19 defenseman in a single season in the county, and all signs point to him putting up astronomical numbers again in 2023-2024. But that doesn’t mean that professional ice hockey awaits him in a few months.
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Canadiens fans are certainly waiting impatiently. Every week a clip of one of his spectacular plays pops up on social media, raising hopes that the Habs have discovered a future offensive star on the blue line.
But the reality isn’t that simple, and Lane Hutson and his Boston University Terriers head coach Jay Pandolfo know it.
Hutson remains a small player – he’s officially 5’10” tall and weighs 170 pounds – who, while his offensive skills are elite, still needs to work on certain aspects of his defensive game.
“I want to take the time”
It is his progress this season that will determine what happens next.
“It’s clear that it would be incredible to make the jump to the pros as this has been my goal for so long. On the other hand, I want to take the time to play this college season and then evaluate everything. I want to continue to grow, get taller and become physically stronger. “What we want this year is to win the national title,” he assured last week in an interview with Le Journal at the Agganis Arena in Boston.
However, don’t think that even though Hutson wants to take his time, he doesn’t believe he’ll be able to play in the NHL in the near future.
“I feel like I have what it takes to get out there and play in this league. I have to get my chance first and you never really know how you’re going to adapt until you get there. “On the other hand, it is obvious that I work hard every day to make the Canadian’s decision as difficult as possible when the time comes,” he assured and repeated a little later that he really enjoyed the experience alongside David Reinbacher during the development camp enjoyed.
Flowers
Listening to his teammates talk about him, it’s hard to believe that Hutson will dominate like he did in the NCAA for another year.
“He is the best defender in the league. He has exceptional skills and is also very competitive. He treats every training session with the same intensity as if it were a game. He pushes us all to be a better team and the boys follow him. I really believe that Lane knows no limits,” praised his teammate Luke Tuch.
“He’s so agile. He creates plays because he sees things on the ice that most players don’t see. “There aren’t many players like him,” added his teammate Macklin Celebrini, who is considered the best candidate for the next NHL draft.