Lane Hutson not closing the door on a third year in the NCAA

Lane Hutson is progressing at a dazzling pace.

He was already one of the best defenders in the NCAA last season and has an even bigger role this year in Boston.

And that’s a good thing.

The Canadian prospect dominated in his first season on the college circuit and is off to a good start so far this season (five points in five games). The popular idea is to see him finish his season with Boston University, before joining the ranks of the Canadiens…

But… not so fast.

To hear him talk, it’s far from guaranteed. Why not? Because he wants to be at the peak of his physical abilities before making the jump to the pros, as we read in an article by Kevin Dubé (Journal de Québec) :

I want to take the time to play this college season and evaluate everything afterwards. I want to keep growing, getting bigger and stronger. – Lane Hutson

At 5 feet 8 inches and 148 pounds (according to Hockey DB data), it’s understandable:

This is big news.

After all, we know that Lane (really) wanted to turn pro at the end of last season, and that it was the Habs who convinced him not to.

What’s changed in his mentality? Only he knows.

On the other hand… I feel like I’m repeating myself when I say that you have to be patient with young players. If the American thinks he’ll be even better if he spends one more season in school, and the Canadiens’ organization approves of the youngster’s idea, it’s better for him to play a third season in the NCAA.

Ultimately, what’s important is that Lane Hutson arrives in Montreal confident in his abilities. It’s not as if the Montreal club is going to win the Stanley Cup next year, and it’s not as if the club is going to be in a position to dominate its opponents.

One thing at a time, as the saying goes.

I can’t wait to see what the final decision is. We all agree that we can’t wait to see him in a Habs uniform, but there’s no point in skipping steps in his development.

In gusto

– Paul Stastny hangs up his skates.