“Honestly surreal”: Canadiens rookie Lane Hutson reflects on Montreal’s buzz leading to Calder Trophy win 

NHL: Stanley Cup Playoffs-Washington Capitals at Montreal Canadiens - Source: Imagn
Canadiens' Lane Hutson wins Calder Trophy and reflects on Montreal’s buzz (Source: Imagn)

Montreal Canadiens defenseman Lane Hutson has won the Calder Memorial Trophy after a strong rookie season. The award is given every year to the best NHL rookie. Hutson received the trophy at a surprise party with his family and friends.

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Hutson earned 165 of 191 first-place votes and finished with 1,832 points. Calgary Flames goalie Dustin Wolf and San Jose Sharks center Macklin Celebrini followed him in the voting. Hutson led all NHL rookies with 66 points this season. His 60 assists tied the NHL record for most by a rookie defenseman. He matched Larry Murphy’s record.

On TSN's "Overdrive" Tuesday, Lane Hutson talked about his season and the buzz in Montreal:

“Yeah, I mean, it was honestly surreal. The season hadn't even started at that time. And you feel it. You feel the excitement. You feel the energy of people wanting us to do so well and wanting to win a lot.
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“So it's just an amazing scenario for anyone who gets to play for Montreal, and I couldn't be more fortunate that I get to do it for the Canadiens," he added.
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Lane Hutson's Calder win follows Jacques Laperriere in Habs history

Lane Hutson was the first Montreal Canadiens player to win it since Ken Dryden in 1972. Hutson became the seventh player in team history to win this award, joining names like Johnny Quilty, Bernie Geoffrion and Jacques Laperriere.

The Canadiens had eight players finish second in voting over the years before Hutson, drafted No. 62 overall in 2022, ended that long wait.

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He has since made a big jump in just three years, with his win putting him alongside Canadiens rookies who went on to win several Stanley Cups. Some also reached the Hockey Hall of Fame.

Before Hutson, Jacques Laperriere was the last Canadiens defenseman to win the Calder in 1964. Hutson follows him as the second defenseman from the team to earn it.

"I had to learn to make moves faster, but coach Blake corrected a habit I had of getting rid of the puck too soon," Laperriere said via NHL.com about his rookie season.
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"He schooled me to hold onto it longer behind the line, then make a play. It helped me a lot, and I felt my bodychecking also improved later in the season," he added.

Montreal fans will hope Lane Hutson’s strong season and Calder Trophy win lead to bigger and better things next season.

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Edited by Veer Badani
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