Photo credit: Eric Bolte-Imagn Images
The handling of Jayden Struble by Montreal Canadiens head coach Martin St-Louis is far from done generating debate.
One decision by Martin St-Louis is being pointed out, because it directly affects his young defenseman Lane Hutson.
We’re talking about a change of sides.
Hutson ends up on the right side, while Jayden Struble keeps his spot on the left.
Martin St-Louis is doing this to help and accommodate Struble, but in the process, it hurts Hutson, badly. Really badly!
A decision that is far from unanimous!
“Lane Hutson was playing some of his best hockey on his natural left side.
And Martin St-Louis moved Hutson to the right side to accommodate Jayden Struble.”
– HabsOnReddit
Keeping Jayden Struble in the lineup is hurting Lane Hutson
The issue is that Hutson had indeed just been putting together strong games, and many fans felt it was simple.
You leave the kid in his comfort zone, you keep things stable, and you move forward.
Now the debate suddenly comes back, and Struble becomes a name attached to the discussion.
Last season, Hutson played 82 games, recorded 66 points, and won the Calder Trophy.
When a guy puts up a season like that, every adjustment becomes important.
Struble, for his part, is not just a depth player either. In 2024-25, he played 56 games, with 13 points and a +2 rating. The year before, again 56 games, 10 points, and a -3 rating.
But the heart of the controversy is the timing.
When Hutson is the spark plug of the group, you want to avoid putting a rock in his skate.
You can like Struble, you can want to help him, but Montreal is in a tight race in the standings, and the atmosphere is not one for unnecessary experimentation.
The message, at its core, is simple.
Fans want the Habs to give themselves the best possible chances right now, not in two weeks.
If the decision helps the group, perfect.
If it starts frustrating Hutson and complicating his night, it will come back like a boomerang – and Martin St-Louis knows it.
Previously on Montreal Hockey Fanatics