As the NHL’s Rookie of the Year, the dynamic defenceman for the Montreal Canadiens, Lane Hutson, has been named the 2024–25 Calder Memorial Trophy winner. With 165 of 191 first-place votes from the Professional Hockey Writers Association, the 21-year-old American wowed both voters and fans. He tied Larry Murphy’s NHL record for the most assists by a rookie defenseman with 60 assists, which led all rookies in his historic season. Hutson’s accomplishment solidifies his place in the Canadiens’ legendary history and makes him the first player to win the Calder since Ken Dryden in 1972.
Given that scouts were dubious about Hutson’s 5-foot-9, 162-pound stature, his journey to this honour is astounding. He was chosen 62nd overall in the 2022 NHL Draft, and his exceptional hockey IQ and skating ability silenced his detractors. In addition to leading all first-year players in ice time (averaging 22:44 per game), his 66 points shattered the team record for a rookie defenseman set by Chris Chelios. With 25 power-play assists and other scoring prowess, Hutson helped lead Montreal to their first postseason appearance in four years. He was exceptional because of his risk management skills, which coach Martin St. Louis commended.
In a touching surprise planned by his family, Hutson received the Calder Trophy at The Wild Onion Pub & Brewery in Lake Barrington, Illinois. His brothers Cole, Quinn, and Lars were among the more than fifty friends and family members who came to celebrate. Hutson, who detests surprises, was both astonished and thrilled when Hockey Hall of Famer Phil Pritchard presented the prize. He described the occasion as remarkable, saying, “I thought it was just a finalist party.” Living with him in Montreal, his mother Julie had a crucial role in his accomplishment by offering him emotional support throughout the difficult times of the season.
Hutson’s influence went beyond the numbers. Alongside NHL greats Bobby Orr, Brian Leetch, and Quinn Hughes, he became just the fourth defenseman in the league’s modern history to lead all rookies in scoring. His 14 multi-assist games tied for the second-most in NHL history by a rookie defenseman. Hutson was selected to the NHL All-Rookie Team for 2024–25 and received votes for the Norris Trophy, coming in ninth. His unwavering dedication to the game is demonstrated by his frequent skating on off days. Being a real rink rat, he said, “When you love what you do, it’s not work.”
This Calder victory is only the start for Hutson, whose little playoff experience motivated him to get better. He reported feeling like a “completely different player” by the end of the series following Montreal’s first-round loss to the Washington Capitals. Hutson, who is eligible for a contract extension on July 1, is still committed to his improvement and is testing new equipment at the Bauer Combine. He has the intelligence and tenacity to be Montreal’s mainstay defenceman for many years to come. Congratulations on a merited honour, Lane! [Image] Go Habs Go
