Lane Hutson’s breakout NHL rookie season is drawing admiration from one of the greats from Canadiens history. Eight‑time Stanley Cup champion Serge Savard, speaking at his annual golf tournament in Terrebonne, Quebec, didn’t mince words: “Time will tell, but he’s probably the most talented player the Canadiens have had since Guy Lafleur,” Savard said.

From the moment Savard watched Hutson play, he sensed something special. “Ever since I saw him, from the very beginning, I said he was the Canadiens’ best player. I was convinced early on that he would be a big star in the National Hockey League,” he added.

Those are high expectations, but Hutson’s rookie résumé more than supports them. The 21‑year‑old defenseman led all NHL rookies last season with 66 points and 60 assists, earning the Calder Memorial Trophy as the league’s top rookie. His offensive output positioned him near the top of league scoring among defensemen, and he ranked ninth in Norris Trophy voting for best defenseman.

A Rookie Season That Turned Heads

Hutson’s impact was immediate and compelling. In 82 regular-season games, he amassed 66 points—a franchise record for a rookie defenseman—and tied the NHL single-season rookie defenseman record with 60 assists. His performance wasn’t limited to raw numbers. He helped propel a young Canadiens team to its first playoff appearance since 2021. Montreal finished with a 40‑31‑11 record and clinched the final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference.

Hutson contributed five assists in the opening-round series against Washington, showcasing his poise on hockey’s biggest stage. Savard’s praise echoes that of fellow legend Larry Robinson, who noted how Hutson overcame size concerns reminiscent of what Wayne Gretzky once faced.

“The first thing everyone said about Hutson was that he was so small he was going to get killed… It reminds me a lot of what people used to say in Wayne Gretzky’s day. Look at what he’s done—it’s not so bad! It’s exciting for the city of Montreal to have a player like Hutson,” Robinson said.

Looking Ahead: The Path to Stardom

Savard didn’t just praise Hutson—he emphasized his fearlessness and agility. “The things he can do, not many people can do that… he’s so agile and always finds a way to get out of the way. He’s not afraid to play when a game is very intense,” Savard said.

That mobility and confidence allowed Hutson to thrive even when facing bigger players charging at top speed.

Such traits suggest Hutson’s ceiling remains high. If he continues developing his physical presence while maintaining his elite hockey IQ and offensive touch, he could transform from a standout rookie to a cornerstone of the Canadiens' future.

Montreal’s front office appears to share that vision. In a rebuilding phase, they've surrounded Hutson with other promising talents like Noah Dobson—an acquisition that Savard says will help Hutson navigate the physical demands of the game and maintain his effectiveness.

While expectations are soaring, Savard offered a measured note: time will ultimately tell if Hutson can reach the rarified level of Lafleur. But if this past season is any indication, fans in Montreal have plenty to be optimistic about.