Montreal Canadiens defenseman Lane Hutson looks to build on Calder Trophy season in 2025-26

The spotlight on Montreal Canadiens defenseman Lane Hutson has only gotten brighter heading into the 2025-26 NHL season. First, he was left off Team USA’s Olympic orientation camp roster, then his father, Rob, reminded everyone that Hutson also holds Canadian citizenship — fueling chatter about a possible future with Team Canada.

But all of that is just noise. The real question in Montreal is simple: after a historic rookie season, can Hutson do it again, avoid the dreaded sophomore slump, and prove he’s already one of the league’s most electric young defensemen?

Montreal Canadiens rookie Lane Hutson set a new standard for NHL defensemen with 66 points in 2024-25

Lane Hutson didn’t ease his way into the NHL last year — he arrived with authority. At just 21, he played all 82 games, piling up six goals and 60 assists for 66 points. That was enough to win the Calder Trophy, beating out San Jose Sharks center Macklin Celebrini and Calgary Flames goaltender Dustin Wolf.It wasn’t just a strong rookie campaign, it was elite by any standard. Hutson tied Tampa Bay Lightning captain Victor Hedman for sixth among all NHL defensemen in scoring. And when Montreal got to the playoffs, he didn’t shrink from the stage. Even though the Canadiens were bounced in five games by the Washington Capitals, Hutson still added five assists in those five appearances.Lane Hutson’s 2025-26 NHL point projections set by BetMGM and The Hockey News after Calder Trophy rookie seasonSo where does he go from here? That’s the big debate. BetMGM has Hutson’s over/under set at 65.5 points, with both the over and under priced at 1.87 (-115).

It’s a tricky line — basically daring fans to decide if he can at least match last season’s output.

On the other hand, The Hockey News’ Yearbook and Fantasy Guide doesn’t see him hitting the same heights. Their projection has him finishing with eight goals and 51 assists — 59 points, seven fewer than his rookie total. That’s still excellent production, but it underlines the worry many have: that a second-year player might take a step back after setting such a high standard.

Why the Montreal Canadiens believe Lane Hutson can avoid a sophomore slump and thrive in 2025-26

Inside the Canadiens’ front office, though, there’s a lot of optimism. General manager Kent Hughes went big before the 2025 draft, sending two first-round picks and winger Emil Heineman to the New York Islanders for defenseman Noah Dobson. While Dobson dipped to 39 points last season, he racked up 70 the year before. If Martin St. Louis decides to pair him with Hutson, Montreal could suddenly have one of the NHL’s most dangerous young defensive duos.And even if that pairing doesn’t materialize right away, Hutson has already shown he can carry heavy responsibility. Despite standing just 5-foot-9, he logged 22:44 of ice time per game in his rookie year — the most of any Canadiens defenseman — and 2:48 per night on the power play. Montreal leaned on him hard, and he delivered.When Hutson was asked about his outlook during Hockey Canada’s Olympic orientation camp earlier this summer, he kept it simple: “If I feel that there’s a good window to win here over and over again, then signing is no problem.”

It was a clear message — his focus is on winning, and he sees a path forward.The Canadiens know what they have in Lane Hutson, but the 2025-26 season will show how fast he can climb into the NHL’s elite tier of defensemen. He’s coming off a Calder Trophy year, he’s got new help in Noah Dobson, and he’s got the trust of head coach Martin St. Louis. Whether he beats the 65.5 line or falls a little short, this sophomore season will tell us if Hutson is just getting started — or if last year was as good as it gets.Also Read: Connor Hellebuyck crowned NHL 26’s top goaltender as Winnipeg Jets dominate EA Sports rankings