Another steal by Kent Hughes: It comes from expert Scott Wheeler and it concerns an excellent defenseman
In 2022, the Canadiens and Kent Hughes selected Juraj Slafkovsky with the first overall pick, but they also acquired a player who should have gone much earlier in Lane Hutson.
Indeed, 2022 was a significant draft year for the Canadiens, with Juraj Slafkovsky, Filip Mesar, Owen Beck, and Lane Hutson all chosen in the first two rounds.
According to expert Scott Wheeler, Lane Hutson would be the second-best defenseman from that draft class, behind Simon Nemec, who was selected second overall.
This is quite telling, especially considering that the sixth overall pick was David Jiricek, the second defenseman selected. According to Scott Wheeler's logic, Lane Hutson could have been a top-6 pick.
Lane Hutson is increasingly being compared to Quinn Hughes, and it's clear why. He possesses all the qualities to become a top-tier defenseman in the NHL.
Given that 17 defensemen were selected before Lane Hutson in 2022, this is a major statement, and it's not even an exaggeration.
| POLL | ||
In your opinion, will Lane Hutson win a Norris Trophy at least once in his career? | ||
| Yes | 232 | 81.4 % |
| No | 53 | 18.6 % |
| List of polls | ||
