Analyzing the Odds of Sophomore Slump for Montreal Canadiens' Lane Hutson

Montreal Canadiens rookie Lane Hutson had one of the best campaigns in recent memory by a first-year player, and you can tell by his stats. The 21-year-old took home the Calder Trophy as the league’s top rookie. As a defenceman, he managed 66 points, including 60 assists, which ties an NHL record for first-year blueliners. Hutson was a big part of the Canadiens run to the playoffs last year. If they hope to make a return trip to the postseason, they will need similar production from him. There will be much higher expectations placed on the youngster’s shoulders this upcoming season. Will he succumb to the pressure like so many second-year players have in the past? Let’s analyze the possibility of a sophomore slump for the Canadiens young star defenceman Lane Hutson.

Montreal Canadiens Lane Hutson in 2025-26

Despite being one of the smaller defencemen in the league, Lane Hutson has quickly found success in the NHL.  What he lacks in size, he makes up for in the way he thinks the game, coupled with his elite puck skills. Not to mention, his elite edge-work on his skates. Few process the game like Hutson can, and his sixty assists prove how well he sees the ice. His transition to pro was seamless offensively.

What Makes Hutson So Successful?

Bigger Role Next Season

We can expect Lane Hutson to take on a larger role for Montreal this upcoming season. Last year, upon his arrival, Mike Matheson was the number one defenceman for the Canadiens. However, with the emergence of Hutson and Kaiden Guhle, as well as the addition of Noah Dobson, Matheson’s role will be diminished. Hutson will begin the year as the team’s power play quarterback, which he had to earn to begin last year. Noah Dobson could join him on the first unit, but it’s more likely Dobson mans the second unit. 

Hutson will be likely playing upwards of twenty minutes a night this season. It’s unclear who he will play with among the likes of Dobson, Guhle, Matheson, Alexandre Carrier, and Jayden Struble. However, one thing is clear, and it is that head coach Martin St. Louis has full faith and trust in Lane Hutson.

What We Can Expect Stats-Wise for Lane Hutson in 2025-26

Don’t expect a sophomore slump for Montreal’s young star on defence. After being snubbed from the USA Olympic camp, Hutson once again has a chip on his shoulder heading into the year. He will want to prove his doubters wrong and show that last season was no fluke. As if he needed any extra motivation, next season is also a contract year for Hutson as he will be an RFA in July.

It’s hard to project that he will surpass the seventy-point mark in year two. However, nothing would be a surprise with this youngster. Anticipate a larger emphasis on growing his defensive game from Martin St. Louis. Similarly to what we have seen from Cole Caufield as he has rounded out his game to become a more complete player. This could lead to a slight dip in offensive production, but Hutson should be good for a minimum of sixty points this year. Don’t be shocked to see him surpass last year’s totals, however. The sky is the limit for Montreal Canadiens Lane Hutson.