Bob Hartley declares that the Habs have obtained their Johnny Gaudreau

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David St-Jean
May 5, 2024 (11:51)

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According to Bob Hartley's report, the Canadiens have obtained their Johnny Gaudreau, a spectacular player with incredible fluidity.

This is quite a statement, considering that Johnny Hockey has roughly averaged a point per game in his career, with one season of 99 points and another of 115 points.

He is undoubtedly one of the best skaters in the League, and that's the point Bob Hartley makes, seeing many similarities between him and Canadiens' defenseman Lane Hutson.

"He really impressed me. I saw a bit of Johnny Gaudreau in his first game with the Calgary Flames. He played the last game of our season in Vancouver. I saw Johnny Gaudreau, but at the blue line. He's a dancer, so skilled, such abrupt direction changes... Wingers will have a hard time covering him. It's going to be a nightmare covering Lane Hutson! On the offensive side, there's no doubt in my mind he can play in the NHL. He met my expectations." - Bob Hartley

And Lane has only played two games in the big league, that promises a lot! Remember that Bob coached the Flames during Johnny Gaudreau's early days in the NHL.

As for Hutson, he played the last two games of the Canadiens' season and got two assists.

Many believe he should start in Laval next season, but I have a hunch he won't touch the ice at Place Bell.

Lane Hutson belongs to a selective category of defensemen like Quinn Hughes, Cale Makar, and Adam Fox, all of whom come from the NCAA and have never played in the AHL.

However, it should be taken into consideration that the competition will be fierce on the Canadiens' blue line this season.

All in all, there are 12 defensemen who could play in the NHL, if Kent Hughes doesn't complete any transactions before then.