In a move that surprised absolutely no one paying attention, Montreal Canadiens defenceman Lane Hutson has been named the winner of the Calder Memorial Trophy. Let’s be frank, this wasn’t a race; it was a coronation. Hutson didn’t just lead all rookies in scoring with a staggering 66 points; he redefined what a first-year defenceman could accomplish in the modern NHL.
From my perspective, watching Hutson this season has been nothing short of electrifying. It wasn’t just the point totals that were impressive, but how he generated them. His ability to walk the blue line, create passing lanes out of thin air, and quarterback a power play that was, for long stretches, the most dangerous in the league, was a sight to behold. He plays with a poise and hockey IQ that you simply don’t see in a player his age.
A Season for the Record Books
Hutson’s 60 assists tying Larry Murphy’s single-season NHL record for a rookie defenceman is a testament to his elite playmaking ability. In an era where scoring is up across the league, Hutson proved to be one of the premier setup men, regardless of experience. His vision and anticipation are off the charts, and he consistently puts his teammates in high-danger scoring positions. He was a primary reason the Canadiens made the playoffs for the first time since their improbable run to the Stanley Cup Final in 2020-21.
The voting landslide, with Hutson receiving 165 of 191 first-place votes, speaks volumes. While Macklin Celebrini (25 goals, 63 points) and Dustin Wolf (29-16-8, .910 SV%) had fantastic rookie campaigns in their own right, Hutson’s impact was undeniable. He was the engine that drove the Canadiens’ offense from the back end, and his five assists in six playoff games showed he’s a player who elevates his game when the stakes are highest.
What’s Next for Hutson and the Canadiens?
Now comes the interesting part. Hutson, a late second-round pick in 2022, is entering the final year of his entry-level contract and is eligible for an extension on July 1st. What does that second contract look like? You can bet his agent will be pointing to this Calder Trophy, the record-tying assist total, and his pivotal role in the team’s success. This is where the business of hockey comes into play. The Canadiens will want to lock him up long-term, but at what cost? This is a situation we’ll be monitoring closely.
Last 10 Calder Trophy Winners:
| Year | Player | Team | Position |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | Connor Bedard | Chicago Blackhawks | Center |
| 2023 | Matty Beniers | Seattle Kraken | Center |
| 2022 | Moritz Seider | Detroit Red Wings | Defenseman |
| 2021 | Kirill Kaprizov | Minnesota Wild | Left Wing |
| 2020 | Cale Makar | Colorado Avalanche | Defenseman |
| 2019 | Elias Pettersson | Vancouver Canucks | Center |
| 2018 | Mathew Barzal | New York Islanders | Center |
| 2017 | Auston Matthews | Toronto Maple Leafs | Center |
| 2016 | Artemi Panarin | Chicago Blackhawks | Left Wing |
| 2015 | Aaron Ekblad | Florida Panthers | Defenseman |
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