The Canadiens managed to secure another top-5 pick according to TSN
The renowned Craig Button has recently stated that Kent Hughes and the Canadiens have pulled off a steal by adding another talent worthy of a first overall pick.
Since his selection, Lane Hutson has been a highly polarizing prospect. While many believe he could become an offensive cornerstone on the Canadiens' blue line, others think his small stature will hinder his performance and prevent him from meeting high expectations.
However, the two games the young man played with the Canadiens at the end of the season have diminished doubts about him. It is remembered that he performed very well and did not look out of place against the Detroit Red Wings, a team fighting for a playoff spot. He even recorded two points in two games during this short stint.
The fact is, the Canadiens were very fortunate to get the American defenseman with the 62nd pick in the 2022 draft. At the time, scouts were concerned about his small stature, as he was only 5 feet 8 inches tall.
Even though he had provided medical reports at the Combine to all teams, attesting to delayed growth due to a medical condition, doubt remained. Would it have been the same if he had been 2 or 3 inches taller at his draft?
Lane Hutson has the talent of a first overall pick according to Craig Button
On this topic, Craig Button, who was a guest on Tony Marinaro's podcast, made a significant statement. According to him, a 5-foot-11 Lane Hutson in 2022 would certainly have been in the discussions for the first overall pick.
Two years later, Lane Hutson has not lied, as he now measures 5 feet 10 inches. Several teams must regret not having the guts that Kent Hughes had with Hutson.
These teams will have a chance to make up for it next June, as Lane's younger brother Cole will be available for the draft. Cole, who now measures 5 feet 10 inches, might be less intimidating to league teams. However, he is projected to be selected late in the first round or early in the second round according to several sites. Button places him at the 23rd spot.
Regarding the Canadiens, and according to Button's comments, they will have acquired two players with a top-1 profile in the same draft. It is recalled that during the same draft as Hutson, Kent Hughes selected Juraj Slafkovsky with the first overall pick.
However, Button's statements should be taken with a grain of salt. As Max Truman reminds us, he is known for having controversial opinions. In addition to placing Konsta Helenius, Tij Iginla, and Zayne Parekh in his top five for the next draft, he had Cole Caufield ranked 4th in his 2019 mock draft.
Still, it's nice to dream, especially knowing that the club's defense has great potential with, in addition to Hutson, the likes of Guhle, Xhekaj, Reinbacher, Mailloux, Engstrom, Harris, Konyushkov, Barron, Struble...
| POLL | ||
Do you agree that Lane Hutson has top-5 talent? | ||
| Yes | 518 | 68.2 % |
| No, top 10 | 193 | 25.4 % |
| No, top 20 | 48 | 6.3 % |
| List of polls | ||
