Photo credit: Montreal Hockey Fanatics
It’s already been four years – hard to believe – since Kent Hughes became the general manager of the Montreal Canadiens.
On January 18, 2022, Hughes officially became the 18th GM in franchise history.
At the time, the organization was mainly searching for direction.
It’s rare to see a GM put himself out there like this, but Kent Hughes has now revealed his greatest point of pride, four years after being hired.
The masterstroke – Hughes’ best move – didn’t come in the top five picks (although Ivan Demidov isn’t far off).
Lane Hutson is Kent Hughes’ best acquisition and his greatest source of pride
The defenseman was selected in the second round, 62nd overall, at the 2022 NHL Draft – 62nd overall, just imagine!
Today, that addition looks like a true steal, and the Bell Centre knows it.
“Lane Hutson, Kent Hughes’ greatest source of pride four years after his hiring. Hutson (the 62nd pick in the 2022 draft) is his best defenseman, a Calder Trophy winner, a defenseman who will likely finish the season at a point-per-game pace, a player who will be among the five Norris Trophy finalists, and he will earn “only” $8.85 million starting next season, through 2034.”
– DLC
His 2024-2025 rookie season is already etched into Canadiens history.
Hutson played 82 games, recording 6 goals and 60 assists for 66 points.
It all ended with the Calder Trophy in his hands.
Hughes didn’t just draft a defenseman – he drafted a modern identity for the Canadiens.
“The team pulled off a daylight robbery by selecting Lane Hutson late in the second round. A small defenseman overlooked because of his size, but gifted with phenomenal hockey sense and offensive tools that need no further description here.”
– TVA Sports
When your 62nd pick becomes a Calder winner, you’ve just bought time, credibility, and transformed your franchise.
A true hockey story the way we love them.
At just 21 years old, Hutson has become the face of the Hughes era, and that’s invaluable.
The GM can talk about patience, development, and culture – but more importantly, he has proof skating every night at the Bell Centre.
And when you have that kind of proof, you sleep better the night before the trade deadline.
Previously on Montreal Hockey Fanatics