Canadiens prospect Lane Hutson focuses on Frozen Four, but NHL looms

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Lane Hutson has never had a problem staying in the moment.

And the defenseman is currently focused on helping Boston University win its sixth U.S. college hockey title at the NCAA men’s Frozen Four.

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Hutson, however, also knows that a big decision is coming.

Widely considered the Canadiens’ top prospect, the 20-year-old could sign and have already played his first NHL game by this time next week – no matter what happens at the showcase in St. Paul, Minnesota .

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“My thought process is I have a great opportunity in front of me to win a national championship for a school that has done so much for me,” Hutson said. “At the end of the season you evaluate and see what your next play is or see if you want to stay.

“There are so many guys in that position, but I feel like I would be in a good position either way.”

Hutson has the Terriers in a good position as they head into Thursday’s semifinal against the University of Denver.

Selected by Montreal with the 62nd pick in the 2022 draft — he slipped down the board due to size concerns — the five-foot-10, 162-pound defenseman from Holland, Michigan, ranks 11th in NCAA scoring in 2023-2024 with 15 goals and 34 assists for 49 points in 37 games.

Hutson, who helped the United States win gold at the 2024 World Junior Hockey Championship after winning bronze 12 months earlier, was named an assistant captain – a sophomore rarity – following the campaign 48-point freshman last season that included a Frozen Four trip where his team lost. in semis.

“He leads by example with his play, his work ethic and his competition,” said Terriers head coach Jay Pandolfo, who had a long NHL playing career. “He feels more comfortable expressing himself this year.

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“He’s just developing his game. He was really good defensively in regionals. He continues to improve there. Offensively, he will always be good. A great year for us.

The same could be said for a number of players expected to take the ice at the Xcel Energy Center for the annual event that will also feature a semifinal Thursday between Boston College and the University of Michigan. The title match will take place on Saturday.

The talent set to be on display in Minnesota is breathtaking, with a host of players poised to have decorated their NHL resumes once they turn professional.

This list is dominated by some of Hutson’s teammates at the world junior level, including Boston College’s Will Smith (San Jose), Cutter Gauthier (Anaheim), Gabe Perreault (New York Rangers) and Ryan Leonard (Washington), as well as Rutger McGroarty (Winnipeg) of Michigan. .

Boston University defenseman Tom Willander (Vancouver) is a player to watch along with college teammate Macklin Celebrini — the Vancouver native expected to go No. 1 in the NHL draft in June — and Denver’s Zeev Buium, another American junior world winner, ranked number one. 4 North American skater.

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“It just shows you where college hockey is as a whole,” Pandolfo said. “All four teams have guys who will not only have a career in the NHL, but will be at the top.”

Every year, NCAA stars must balance their attempts to win a national title with their choice of staying or leaving once their college season ends in tears of joy or despair.

Pandolfo has no doubt about Hutson’s position.

“Exactly as it’s programmed,” said the 15-year NHL veteran. “He really takes it one day at a time.”

But what’s next – potentially facing the Canadiens at the Bell Center – has definitely crossed his mind.

“Some of the smartest fans in the world,” Hutson said. “I also like how they are really competitive. Being able to play in front of these fans one day would definitely be one of my goals.

“And something I can look forward to.”

But only after seeking to take care of some unfinished business.

CANUCK CONTENT

This year’s Frozen Four will see 23 Canadians compete at the home of the Minnesota Wild.

Michigan forward and Toronto Maple Leafs draft pick Nick Moldenhauer is one of them.

“Competing on a big stage and having the chance to go for a national championship is something really special,” said the 19-year-old freshman from Mississauga, Ontario, selected 95th overall in 2022.

Denver, meanwhile, is bolstered by undrafted Calgary native Matt Davis.

“Nothing is given in this program,” said the 20-year-old. “I had to wait two full seasons to get the opportunity.

“I wanted to run with it.”

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