Montreal Canadiens rookie defenseman Lane Hutson is rapidly emerging as one of the biggest stories of the 2026 Stanley Cup playoffs. NHL insider Elliotte Friedman recently admitted that Hutson did not make his Norris Trophy ballot this season but predicted the young defenseman could dominate future award races.
Friedman's Praise for Hutson
Elliotte Friedman had high praise for Montreal Canadiens defenseman Lane Hutson on a recent episode of the "32 Thoughts" podcast, discussing the Norris Trophy race. Friedman was blunt when he said Hutson did not make his final top-five ballot this season, but added that this may not happen again for many years. The NHL insider projected Hutson to possibly win multiple Norris Trophy awards in his National Hockey League career.
Friedman's comments quickly became a focal point in NHL match previews, NHL news, and playoff analysis. The rookie's rising prominence has already become a major talking point in the latest NHL news roundup and NHL updates surrounding the Montreal Canadiens' postseason run.
Playoff Performance Against Buffalo Sabres
Hutson's recent play against the Buffalo Sabres helped fuel that growing attention. The rookie defenseman added two assists in a dominant 6-2 victory in Game 3 of the Montreal Canadiens' series. Throughout the game, analysts spent considerable time watching his skating, puck control, and offensive creativity. Ryan Whitney, a former NHL player, also lauded Hutson's performance, describing it as a "clinic" in the playoff game against Buffalo.
The Montreal Canadiens continue their rebuild toward serious playoff contention. They now appear to have another franchise cornerstone. The development of Lane Hutson could have a massive impact on the long-term future of the National Hockey League franchise.
Future Norris Trophy Prospects
Hutson's performances are fueling conversations about future Norris Trophy races, especially with younger defensemen continuing to reshape the position across the league. As he enters the latter stages of the Stanley Cup playoffs, Hutson's stock continues to grow, with praise coming from respected insiders like Elliotte Friedman.
