Massive Turnaround for Lane Hutson? Many Fans are Worried

In his first NCAA season with Boston University, the defenseman was phenomenal. He produced at an unprecedented rate in the league's history, becoming the most productive defenseman under 19 years of age. He even made the top 10 nominees for the prestigious Hobey-Baker trophy, awarded to the player of the year.

Here's a comparison of his production with several elite NHL defensemen at the same age:

Given his eye-opening performance last year, expectations are sky-high for the promising Canadiens prospect in his second collegiate season. He's the undisputed leader of his team and will be the cornerstone of the U.S. team in the upcoming U20 World Championship.

Given his impressive resume, Canadiens fans are eagerly awaiting his arrival in Montreal. Many experts and journalists believe he'll turn pro after this season, as Cole Caufield, Jordan Harris, and Sean Farrell have in recent seasons.

However, according to TVA Sports, there could be a significant shift concerning Hutson's move to the Habs. It's no longer a certainty, as he hinted at playing another collegiate year.

He also highlighted his goal to progress the right way, avoiding rushing things.

His desire to continue honing his physique and game to maximize his NHL success chances shows a great deal of responsibility.

It's crucial to note that it's entirely reasonable for him to want another NCAA season. With many young defensemen on the roster and prospects like David Reinbacher and Logan Mailloux vying for spots in Montreal, Hutson can afford to pace his development.

Norris Trophy winner Adam Fox, one of the NHL's best defensemen, played three collegiate seasons before turning pro. There's no rush for the Canadiens' gem.

Moreover, it's not like the Canadiens are explicitly gunning for a championship next year. Even if they surprisingly succeed this season, I don't see them genuinely aiming for the Stanley Cup until the 2025-2026 season.