Lane Hutson's remarkable performance this season with the Montreal Canadiens has solidified his position as a crucial element of the team's future. Following a strong debut last season, Hutson became a leading force in pushing the Canadiens into playoff contention, achieving franchise records while showcasing his exceptional talent on the ice.

With 66 points in 82 games, he shattered the previous record for rookie defensemen, demonstrating a profound ability to create opportunities and contribute significantly to his team's success. His performance has garnered him strong recognition, including a favorite's status for the Calder Trophy, an acknowledgment of his potential as a top-tier player in the NHL.

Despite the team's playoff exit, Hutson's contributions were evident as he led the Canadiens in postseason scoring, and his drive for improvement has set high expectations for his growth into a cornerstone player. As Montreal looks to secure their young core with long-term contracts, Hutson's potential for a lucrative deal looms large.

Lane Hutson has made an impressive impact with the Montreal Canadiens in the 2024-25 NHL season, living up to expectations set by teammate Kaiden Guhle. Hutson, just 21, showcased extraordinary talent, breaking franchise records for a rookie defenseman with 66 points, including 60 assists. His performance has made him a leading candidate for the Calder Trophy.

Despite the Canadiens' early playoff exit, Hutson stood out with five assists in the postseason. His agility and vision on the ice have left fans and teammates in awe, solidifying his role as a key component in Montreal’s youth movement alongside stars like Nick Suzuki and Cole Caufield. As he looks forward to the offseason, Hutson aims to enhance his strength and speed, hoping for a lucrative contract extension as the team's roster continues to evolve.

Kaiden Guhle's two-goal performance propelled the Montreal Canadiens to a critical 4-2 victory over the Carolina Hurricanes, clinching the final Eastern Conference playoff spot. The Canadiens, entering the postseason for the first time since their 2021 Stanley Cup run, faced immense pressure after struggling to secure their playoff berth over three previous attempts. Despite setbacks against the Ottawa Senators, Toronto Maple Leafs, and Chicago Blackhawks, Guhle's timely scoring, alongside contributions from Nick Suzuki, solidified their place. The Canadiens will face the top-seeded Washington Capitals in the playoffs, marking a significant turnaround for the franchise that began a rebuild following a dismal start two seasons ago.

Despite a tough 1-0 overtime loss to the Toronto Maple Leafs, Canadiens head coach Martin St. Louis found positives in the game, highlighting his team's effort as they strive for a playoff spot. The Canadiens now sit at 88 points, five points clear of the Columbus Blue Jackets, who still have three games left. With only two games remaining for Montreal, a single Columbus loss would secure their playoff berth.

The Canadiens, who were outshot 35-15, managed to send 57 shots towards the Maple Leafs' goalie, Anthony Stolarz. Captain Nick Suzuki expressed pride in the team's unexpected playoff pursuit following a rebuild season. NHL rookie Kaiden Guhle noted the importance of experience gained from playing meaningful games, indicating significant development for younger players.

The Montreal Canadiens are surging towards a playoff berth with a six-game winning streak, fueled by Sam Montembeault's impressive 35-save performance in a recent 4-1 victory over the Detroit Red Wings. This win has solidified their eight-point lead for the last playoff spot in the Eastern Conference. Defensive stalwart Kaiden Guhle believes the team must maintain their intensity, stressing that the job is not yet done. With four games remaining in the season, securing at least 90 points is crucial to fend off competition from teams like the New York Rangers and Columbus Blue Jackets.

Head coach Martin St. Louis acknowledges the team's growth, expressing pride in their resilience. The Canadiens, who have not made the playoffs since 2021, are eager to experience the electrifying atmosphere of postseason hockey at the Bell Centre. Players like Cole Caufield understand the significance of the moment, emphasizing the need to stay focused and not let opportunities slip away after a challenging start to the season. With Montembeault hitting a career milestone of 30 wins, the team looks set to improve on their previous seasons' struggles.