Latest NHL announcement suggests Avalanche star Cale Makar is no longer the best defensemen in the league
Photo credit: Ron Chenoy / USA TODAY Sports
Lane Hutson's remarkable rookie campaign has brought him some well-deserved recognition.
The Montreal Canadiens defenseman was named the winner of the Calder Trophy on Tuesday morning, an award presented each year to the NHL's top rookie.
Cale Makar is no longer the best defencemen in the NHL.
Hutson just captured the Calder Trophy with an impressive 66-point season, a mark that surpasses the 50 points that Colorado Avalanche defenseman Cale Makar recorded when he won the award back in 2020.
Sportsnet reports that Hutson edged out Calgary Flames goaltender Dustin Wolf and San Jose Sharks forward Macklin Celebrini to claim the award.
"The 21-year-old Huston hit multiple major milestones for scoring by a rookie defenceman this season, helping the Canadiens return to the playoffs for the first time in four years. Hutson became the fourth defenceman in the NHL's modern era (since 1943-44) to lead rookies in scoring, joining Bobby Orr (13-28-41 in 1966-67 with the Bruins), Brian Leetch (23-48-71 in 1988-89 with the New York Rangers) and Quinn Hughes (8-45-53 in 2019-20 with the Canucks)." -Sportsnet
Hutson's 60 assists tied Larry Murphy (1980-81 with the LA Kings) for the highest total ever recorded by a rookie defenseman, while his 66 points rank fourth all-time among first-year blueliners, trailing only Murphy (16-60-76 in 1980-81), Brian Leetch, and Gary Suter (18-50-68 in 1985-86 with the Flames).
Hutson becomes the first Canadiens player to capture the Calder Trophy since Ken Dryden in 1972. He's also the team's first finalist for the award since the 2012-13 season, when current teammate Brendan Gallagher finished as the runner-up.
Previously on Avalanche Insider
| POLL | ||
JUIN 10 | 35 ANSWERS Latest NHL announcement suggests Avalanche star Cale Makar is no longer the best defensemen in the league Is Lane Hutson better than Cale Makar? | ||
| yes | 3 | 8.6 % |
| no | 32 | 91.4 % |
| List of polls | ||
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