The recent omission of defenseman Lane Hutson from the Olympic Orientation Camp has stirred much debate among fans. This is even more shocking after his phenomenal run with the Montreal Canadiens last season, when he clinched the Calder Trophy.
Reports suggest this might be because Hutson missed the World Championships earlier this year. But while critics debate the reason behind his omission, one former Stanley Cup champ has revealed two areas of improvement for the rising star.
Former Champion Names Two Areas of Improvement for Lane Hutson
Lane Hutson was a big reason the Canadiens secured a playoff berth last season. With six goals and 60 assists, he even tied Larry Murphy’s record for the most assists by a rookie defenseman, which had stood since the 1980-81 season.
But despite all this, he still got snubbed for the camp. And while several reasons have been cited, from a surplus of defensemen already listed in the camp to the lack of size that Hutson brings, former Penguins defenseman Sergei Gonchar has some advice for Hutson to improve his current game.
Gonchar has already tasted the ultimate prize in hockey thrice, once as a player (2009) and twice as a development coach (2016, 2017). And in his recent interview with “RG,” he has some pointers for the young defenseman.
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He mentioned, “I’ve watched his games. Offensively, he’s very strong, but he needs to build his defensive side and get stronger physically. Makar is more solid. In the playoffs, toughness is key.” Gonchar even called Cale Makar the most complete D-man in the league.
“Hutson has potential, but the next couple of years will be critical for how he develops after that first success,” Gonchar said. But Gonchar also praised Hutson for his Calder Trophy-winning season. With his 66 points, he became only the fourth defenseman since 1943-44 to lead the rookies in scoring.
Many critics have questioned Hutson’s physicality, which is reflected in his 5’9″ and 162-pound frame. Gonchar points this out. Some analysts even believe that this small frame is why Hutson was snubbed from the orientation camp.
With Quinn Hughes already in the camp, the chances of including Hutson were slim. With similar frames, many believe Hughes is the league’s best minor defenseman. Gonchar mentioned how impressed he has been with the Canucks captain.
He mentioned, “Offense is his biggest strength. His skill level is incredible; to create so many chances, control the game, and drive play. His talent is phenomenal. Defensively, of course, there was room for growth, but over the last two and a half years, he’s improved a lot.”
With both excelling at playmaking with 60 assists, Hughes edges out Hutson in goal scoring with 16 goals to Hutson’s six. And Gonchar mentioned that there’s still room to grow. He said, “That’s why we focused on raising his defensive game while keeping his offensive strengths.”
