David Kirouac-Imagn Images

NHL Legend P.K. Subban Makes No Secret of His Rookie of the Year Pick

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Antonio Losada | Last updated Apr 6, 2025 6:00 AM ET

Former Montreal Canadiens defenseman P.K. Subban has changed his mind on the 2024–25 Calder Trophy race—and the Habs’ playoff surge is the reason why.

Subban, speaking during an ESPN segment on Saturday, said he would now vote for Canadiens blueliner Lane Hutson over San Jose Sharks' Macklin Celebrini for NHL's Rookie of the Year.

“Two weeks ago, I said Macklin Celebrini should have been the Rookie of the Year,” Subban said. "If the Montreal Canadiens make it into the playoffs, that is Lane Hutson’s trophy.

“It should be his trophy.”

Hutson, 21, has appeared in 76 games and leads all NHL rookies with 63 points, including 57 assists and six goals. He has also blocked 118 shots and registered 52 takeaways while averaging 22:40 minutes per game.

Lane Hutson for Calder#nhl #hockey #montreal #canadiens #rookie #espn pic.twitter.com/lwx67wXSg1
— P.K. Subban (@PKSubban1) April 5, 2025

Subban emphasized how Hutson has elevated his game in recent weeks.

“This is my favorite player to watch in the National Hockey League,” Subban said. “He’s carrying this team.”

Following Saturday's 3-2 win over the Philadelphia Flyers, the Canadiens hold the second wild card into the Stanley Cup Playoffs from the Eastern Conference with 83 points. They are four points ahead of the New York Rangers.

On Tuesday, Hutson became the first rookie defenseman to reach 60 points since Nicklas Lidstrom in 1992. Entering Sunday, Hutson needs 13 more points to break Larry Murphy’s all-time rookie blueliner record of 76.

Hutson signed a three-year, $2.85 million contract in July. His late-season dominance now has Subban—and possibly legitimate award voters—rethinking the Calder race.

Subban didn't stop his praise at Hutson but also had kind words for other Canadiens, such as Nick Suzuki (team-leading 83 points), Cole Caufield (65 points and team-leading 35 goals), and goaltender Samuel Montembeault (29-23-6 record with a .900 SV%).

“This team’s galvanized,” Subban said. ”They are pushing.”

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: