Montreal Canadiens sign Lane Hutson to entry-level contract

Montreal Canadiens general manager Kent Hughes announced Friday that the club has agreed to terms with defenseman Lane Hutson on a three-year, entry-level contract.

Hutson was drafted No. 62 overall in the second round of the 2022 NHL Draft by Montreal.

The 20-year-old registered 15 goals and 34 assists for 49 points in 38 games during the 2023-24 campaign with the Boston University Terriers in the NCAA. Hutson ranked tied for first leaguewide among NCAA defenders with University of Denver defenseman Zeev Buium. Hutson was named a Hobey Baker Nominee and to the NCAA Hockey East First All-Star Team.

Last season’s 48-point run with Boston University was one of the best seasons by a U-19 defenseman in NCAA history, breaking a 35-year-old scoring record set by Brian Leetch. Hutson won the NCAA Hockey East Rookie of the Year Award, NCAA Hockey East Tournament MVP, NCAA New England MVP and was a Hobey Baker Finalist.

Internationally, Hutson has represented Team USA on three occasions once at the Under-18 Men’s Championships and twice at the World Juniors. During the 2024 World Juniors, Hutson led the Americans to a gold medal victory and recorded six assists, the most among defensemen in the tournament.

Hutson is expected to make his National Hockey League debut next week against the Detroit Red Wings or Montreal Canadiens.

Daily Faceoff prospect analyst Steven Ellis weighed in on Hutson and what you need to know about Montreal’s most exciting prospect, “From an early age, his offensive instincts were top of the class, Ellis said. “You won’t find defensemen with Hutson’s creativity often – he’s so slick, often taking the puck from a standstill and creating a chance in close, a la Cale Makar. Hutson is a human highlight reel – he spins with ease, and with quick footwork, he’s so difficult to stop. He’s incredibly deceptive, using head fakes to lure you in before making a high-impact move.”