Canadiens fans went to bed late last night.
The game presented in Salt Lake City started at 9:10 PM (Quebec time) and ended around 11:45 PM.
But even though we had to stay up late… It was worth it, because Lane Hutson put on quite a show against André Tourigny’s team.
The small defenseman collected three assists in the beautiful victory for the Canadiens and extended his lead at the top of the rookie scoring leaders, ahead of Macklin Celebrini and Matvei Michkov.
Hutson has 35 points so far, while the other two each have 31.
With his game yesterday, Hutson is now averaging 0.82 points per game since the start of his career.
That’s excellent for a defenseman… Especially for a 20-year-old.
But it’s also worth noting that there are only four other defensemen (drafted after 2000 and who have played at least 40 games) who have a ratio of at least 0.8 points per game in the NHL since the beginning of their respective careers.
We’re talking about Cale Makar (1.07), Quinn Hughes (0.94), Adam Fox (0.85), and Erik Karlsson (0.81).
What a lineup:
Only 5 dmen drafted after 2000 have maintained a point per game pace of 0.8 or more (playing at least 40 games).
Karlsson, Fox, Makar, Hughes and Hutson.
Like wow. https://t.co/FYOPUGirj4
— Byron Bader (@ByronMBader) January 15, 2025
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It’s funny, but the four defensemen named above all have something in common.
They have all won (at least) once the Norris Trophy since they started playing in the National Hockey League, and they are also the last four recipients of the trophy.
It’s crazy really:

Seeing Lane Hutson as part of that group is certainly a good sign for the future… And it’s no coincidence that people are starting to say he will lift the Norris Trophy one day.
Hutson is the talk of the town right now:
Forget the Calder, Lane Hutson WILL win the Norris Trophy one day! 🏆#Norris #hutson #canadiens #clubdumatin pic.twitter.com/RyFC8XwPkD
— BPM Sports (@BPMSportsRadio) January 15, 2025
The sample size is small, and everyone will agree on that level.
Hutson has only played 45 games in his NHL career… But at the same time, it’s hard to believe he won’t be able to improve because the talent is there.
That’s especially what is (really, really) exciting for the Canadiens and their fans.
In brief
– Speaking of Lane Hutson.
“I don’t think much surprises us anymore (about Lane Hutson). We see the work & effort he puts in at practice & away from the rink. It’s no mistake that he’s as good as he is…He wants to dominate each & every night.”
– Kirby Dach yesterday pic.twitter.com/JoPP0iQKgn
— /r/Habs (@HabsOnReddit) January 15, 2025
– Learn more about Connor McDavid:
Connor’s spot away from the rink? The lake 🚣♂️
More from the @EdmontonOilers captain in this Open Skate with @JLazzy23 pic.twitter.com/RJ3uVlnG0w
— B/R Open Ice (@BR_OpenIce) January 15, 2025
– Snipe.
Quick start ✅ https://t.co/flN8BOiLW3 pic.twitter.com/cPKBHeu1Mz
— NHL (@NHL) January 15, 2025