The Montreal Canadiens made a return to the NHL playoffs for the first time since their 2021 Cup Final appearance. Despite a respectable 40-31-11 record, they were eliminated in the first round by the Washington Capitals. This season marked significant progress for the Canadiens’ young roster, highlighted by Lane Hutson’s impressive rookie campaign, which earned him the Calder Memorial Trophy.

Hutson led all Canadiens defensemen with a remarkable 66 points, becoming the first Habs player since Ken Dryden in 1972 to win the prestigious award. The Canadiens praised Hutson’s contributions as he finished third in overall team points, showcasing the potential of their emerging talent alongside established stars like Nick Suzuki and Cole Caufield. The Canadiens are expected to make significant moves in the offseason to bolster their roster further.

Lane Hutson of the Montreal Canadiens has made a significant impact in his rookie season, clinching the 2024-25 Calder Trophy as the NHL's rookie of the year. He showcased remarkable skill, leading all rookies with an impressive total of six goals and 60 assists, which ties him for the most assists in a season by a rookie defenseman, a record previously held by Larry Murphy.

Despite being selected 62nd overall in the 2022 NHL Draft, Hutson proved his worth, contributing to the Canadiens' surprising playoff run. His 66 points rank among the highest for rookie defensemen in NHL history, trailing only legends like Brian Leetch and Gary Suter. At just 21 years old, his achievement marks him as the second Calder winner for the franchise since the expansion era.

The NHL's award season shines a spotlight on top talents as it announces winners for prestigious accolades. Lane Hutson of the Montreal Canadiens claims the Calder Trophy for top rookie, leading all first-year players with 66 points and matching the all-time rookie assists record for defensemen. Meanwhile, Aleksander Barkov of the Florida Panthers secures his second consecutive Selke Trophy, demonstrating exceptional two-way play with a strong plus-13 goal differential. The awards ceremony will culminate on June 12, prior to Game 4 of the Stanley Cup Final.

Lane Hutson, the Montreal Canadiens' promising defenseman, has clinched the Calder Memorial Trophy, awarded annually to the top rookie in the NHL. Hutson garnered an impressive 165 first-place votes, leading the competition by a significant margin. He racked up 66 points this season, with 60 assists, tying the NHL record for most assists by a rookie defenseman, a feat previously achieved by the legendary Larry Murphy.

Finishing second was Calgary Flames goalie Dustin Wolf, who posted a solid 29-16-8 record with a 2.64 GAA and .910 save percentage. San Jose Sharks center Macklin Celebrini followed with 63 points, showcasing his potential as a key player for the future. Hutson's remarkable performance this season positions him as a cornerstone for the Canadiens, and his trajectory is worth monitoring closely in fantasy leagues.

Lane Hutson has been awarded the 2024-25 Calder Memorial Trophy, recognizing his impressive performance as a rookie with the Montreal Canadiens. At just 21 years old, Hutson's achievement marks him as a standout player in the league, being the second Canadiens player to earn the award since the expansion era. His 66 points in 82 games, along with a remarkable 60 assists, not only set records for rookie defensemen but also highlight his pivotal role in the Canadiens' lineup.

Furthermore, Hutson's 1,832 voting points solidified his victory, making him a dominant choice among voters. Calgary Flames' Dustin Wolf and San Jose Sharks' Macklin Celebrini followed behind, but their scores were notably lower. Hutson's contributions on the ice, especially in power play situations, were critical to his team's performance this season, making him a valuable asset for any fantasy team looking to bolster its defense.