Montreal Canadiens prospect will play only two games with the Canadiens this season
Lane Hutson generates mixed opinions as a prospect in Montreal, and there is anticipation surrounding his upcoming play with the main team. The awaited debut is set to occur towards the end of the season. The pressing inquiry is: at what precise moment will the defenseman become a part of the Montreal squad?
Marco D’Amico addresses this query in his recent piece on MHN.
All signs point to Lane Hutson joining the #GoHabsGo before the end of the season, but the timing is still yet to be determined.
Here’s a full breakdown:https://t.co/ffPGB2UMZU
– Marco D’Amico (@mndamico) March 1, 2024
Initially, while the option of Lane Hutson playing in Laval is not completely ruled out, the likelihood of that happening is extremely low. This is primarily due to the requirement for a player to ink a contract before March 8 to be eligible to partake in the conclusion of the regular season or playoffs with an AHL team, a feat that is unattainable in Hutson’s case.
Another approach would involve Laval offering him a professional tryout, yet that avenue is also improbable. Unlike recent instances where players like Jayden Struble and Lucas Condotta secured PTOs before finalizing their entry-level agreements, Hutson stands out due to his remarkable skill set.
The talented young defenseman is almost entirely dedicated to Montreal, with his commitment level hovering around 99.99%. Feel free to insert more nines after the decimal point if desired.
According to D’Amico’s narrative, two potential scenarios are highlighted. The first scenario unfolds if Boston University loses one of its two games at The Regionals scheduled for March 28-30. Under such circumstances, Hutson’s NCAA season would conclude, paving the way for him to sign with the Canadiens and partake in the team’s final nine regular-season matches spanning from April 2 to 16.
He is slated to face the following teams in upcoming matches:
- Panthers (April 2)
- Lightning (April 4)
- Maple Leafs (April 6)
- Rangers (April 7)
- Flyers (April 9)
- Islanders (April 11)
- Senators (April 13)
- Red Wings twice (April 15 and 16) Best of luck to him as he will be up against several formidable offenses.
The alternate scenario involves Boston University triumphing in both regional games, securing a spot in the Frozen Four for the second consecutive season. In such a case, Hutson and his team would compete in a single match on April 11 and potentially advance to the final on the 13th if they emerge victorious. If Hutson and his teammates progress to this stage, we might see him in Montreal by April 15 at the earliest, just in time for the last two games of the season against Detroit.
The question arises: do we wish him a championship and two games in Montreal, or no championship and at least three games (possibly nine) in Montreal?
Furthermore, apart from the left-hander, David Reinbacher and Adam Engstrom are also likely candidates to join the Quebec team by the conclusion of the 2023-2024 season.
