You never forget your first, and Lane Hutson won’t forget this goal anytime soon.
The Montreal Canadiens defenseman potted the first of his NHL career against the Winnipeg Jets at Canada Life Centre on Saturday.
The play started with Habs captain Nick Suzuki winning an offensive-zone draw. Right winger Cole Caufield played it to Mike Matheson at the point, who then played it across to Hutson.
The Holland, Mich., native inched up to the faceoff dot on the left side of the zone. From that point, he fired a wrist shot past reigning Vezina Trophy winner Connor Hellebuyck.
Hutson has become a fan favorite in Montreal ever since he set foot in the Bell Centre for the first time back in April. He emerged into the NHL last season in Montreal’s two final games, recording an assist in each of those outings. The numbers, as well as his tremendous skating ability and his trademark head fakes, grew on the Habs faithful. The 20-year-old is third in team scoring.
Ahead of this season, Hutson was among some of the front-runner rookies challenging for the Calder Trophy. He’s had a respectable start to the season in terms of production. The offensive D-man had 19 points (all assists) heading into this tilt against Winnipeg.
Before Montreal’s previous game against the Pittsburgh Penguins, Hutson had an seven-game point streak, providing eight helpers during that stretch.
Related: NHL Calder Trophy Tracker: Stankoven, Michkov And Hutson In Dead Heat, But Celebrini Lurks
However, the Calder Trophy won’t be an easy race for Hutson to win. In his way is Matvei Michkov of the Philadelphia Flyers, Logan Stankoven of the Dallas Stars and this year’s first overall pick, Macklin Celebrini of the San Jose Sharks.
There’s still plenty of room for growth and improvement for Hutson. Although, there is no denying that he has the potential to be a very special player.
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