It’s been a long time coming for Habs fans. Ryan Dixon of Sportsnet recently highlighted the Canadiens’ 31-year Stanley Cup drought, and while that may continue for a bit, there’s a different drought that seems poised to end: the 52-year Calder Trophy drought. Enter Lane Hutson. This dynamic young defenseman has the potential to bring the Calder Trophy back to Montreal for the first time since Ken Dryden accomplished the feat in 1972.
Lane Hutson Poised to Break Montreal’s 52-Year Calder Drought
Hutson’s offensive prowess and puck-moving abilities are undeniable. He’s a generational talent on the blue line, possessing exceptional vision, skating, and puck skills. His ability to create scoring chances from the back end is reminiscent of some of the league’s elite offensive defensemen. While his size might be a concern for some, Hutson’s hockey IQ and competitive fire more than compensate. He’s not afraid to battle in the corners or in front of the net, and he consistently makes smart decisions with the puck.
Of course, Hutson isn’t the only rookie vying for the Calder. Macklin Celebrini of the San Jose Sharks is a highly-touted prospect with a knack for scoring goals. Logan Stankoven of the Dallas Stars is a dynamic two-way forward who plays a complete game. And then there’s Matvei Michkov of the Philadelphia Flyers, a Russian phenom with incredible offensive talent.
However, Hutson has a few key advantages. Firstly, he’s likely to see significant ice time on a Canadiens team that’s rebuilding. This will give him ample opportunity to showcase his skills and put up points. Secondly, his playing style is perfectly suited to the modern NHL, which emphasizes speed and skill. Finally, he has the benefit of playing in a hockey-mad market like Montreal, where the spotlight will be shining brightly on him.
While the Calder race is sure to be tight, Hutson has all the tools to come out on top. He’s a special player who has the potential to be a franchise cornerstone for the Canadiens for years to come. If he can live up to the hype, he’ll not only end the Canadiens’ Calder drought, but also usher in a new era of excitement for the franchise.
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