Whether Lane Hutson will have a great career at the Bettman circuit is unknown, but he will forever be remembered as one of the most prolific defensemen in NCAA history.
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Thursday, the 62nd overall winner of the last draft, opened the scoring in a Boston University Terriers versus Western Michigan University Broncos duel in Manchester, New Hampshire.
That net, the small and veteran defender’s 15th of the season, opened the regional semifinals of the NCAA championship.
The Terriers prevailed 5-1 and extended their winning streak to eight victories. They will face the Cornell University Big Red or the University of Denver Pioneers in the next round.
Hutson increased his points total to 48 points in 37 games in his first season in the American collegiate ranks. In doing so, he surpassed the great Brian Leetch in the 1987-88 season to become the third most productive defenseman under the age of 19 in NCAA history.
Only Curt Giles (49 points, 1976-1977) and Craig Redmond (54 points, 1982-1983) fared better, at a time when goals were much less rare.
Remember, Hutson was named the Hockey East Conference’s Outstanding Rookie and is one of 10 contenders for the prestigious Hobey Baker trophy.