HIGHLIGHTS
- Lane Hutson made Montreal Canadiens franchise history on Tuesday night
- He passed Chris Chelios for the most assists by a rookie
- Read below for the full story
The legacy of Montreal Canadiens rookie Lane Hutson continues to grow.
Not only did he become the 10th rookie defenceman in NHL history to reach the 60-point mark but Hutson also set a franchise record in assists with 57. That’s the most by a rookie since Chris Chelios:
UN NOUVEAU RECORD DE FRANCHISE POUR NOTRE DÉFENSEUR RECRUE
A NEW FRANCHISE RECORD FOR ROOKIE DEFENSEMAN#GoHabsGo pic.twitter.com/OhmJccJLEV
— Canadiens Montréal (@CanadiensMTL) April 2, 2025
Hutson has been all the Canadiens could’ve hoped and more. The 21-year-old has scored five goals and tallied 57 helpers. He leads Montreal in assists as well. Nicklas Lidstrom was the last rookie D-man to hit the 60-point mark way back in 1991-92.
The 2022 second-round pick played a major part in the Habs’ surprising 3-2 overtime win over the defending Stanley Cup champion Florida Panthers on Tuesday evening. He first set up Josh Anderson for a first-period goal before supplying another assist late in the third period to help tie the game at 2-2. Hutson then assisted on the game-winner in OT.
The Canadiens have definitely given the rookie all the opportunity to shine, too. He’s fifth on the team in ice-time (22:37). Hutson is also third in points and blocks (109). He’s a huge reason Montreal is holding onto the final Wild Card spot, but it’s a tight race with four different teams breathing down their neck.
Tuesday’s victory showed the grit this squad has, coming from behind to beat the Atlantic Division leaders. It also proved just how special Hutson really is. Despite playing such a talented opponent, he brought his absolute best.
The Canadiens have a franchise cornerstone on their hands who should be a staple on their blue line for many years to come.
