Top Canadiens prospect Lane Hutson has signed an entry-level contract

There was some very exciting news on Thursday as the Montreal Canadiens announced signed The top entry-level contract prospect is Lane Hutson.

Hutson, 20, played for the Boston University Terriers in the NCAA, posting 30 goals and 67 assists in just 77 games. That means the guard averaged 1.26 points per game during his freshman and sophomore seasons.

Lane Hutson has signed his entry-level contract # habit After finishing the NCAA season with BU. He will officially join the team when he passes through Detroit in a few days.

— Chris Johnston (@reporterchris) April 12, 2024

Why sign now?

The signing allows Hutson to play in one of the final games of the season, thus removing a year from his entry-level contract. One might wonder why the Hubs would be so quick to put a year out of a contract with a player who will be a vital member of the organization during a rebuild. In this particular case, it's a reward for signing the contract early so he doesn't risk going down the same path as former Harvard quarterback Adam Fox.

Fox was originally drafted in the third round by the Calgary Flames, but he advised the team that he was not interested in signing with them, forcing the Flames to trade his rights to the Carolina Panthers. The Hurricanes were also advised that Fox was not interested in playing in Carolina, leading to yet another trade, this time with the New York Rangers, his preferred team.

The Habs used the same strategy when they signed Cole Caulfield and Sean Farrell from the NCAA.

Where does he play?

The ELC deal was signed after March 8, meaning Hutson will not be able to play for the Laval Rockets during either the regular season or the playoffs.

With just three games remaining in the Canadiens' regular season, Hutson's options for his debut are extremely limited. He will make his NHL debut against the Ottawa Senators on Saturday or the Detroit Red Wings on Monday or Tuesday.

MUST-READ: Canadiens Prospect Lane Hutson's Impact on the Squad and the Team's Future

Remember, he's coming off a very busy year, including a World Junior Championship appearance where he was named to the tournament's All-Star team. On top of a layoff during Christmas break, Hutson logged the most NCAA minutes as he was Boston University's go-to tackle for every situation, including special teams. He also started the NCAA's Frozen Four in a 2-1 loss to the University of Denver.

With that in mind, it's unlikely that Hutson will be thrown to the wolves during his NHL debut. Limited use is in order in its case.

The goal will be to adapt him to the team's style of play, his teammates, the new playbook, the new coach, the new settings and all the other factors in the game now that he's a professional hockey player.

To get a better idea of ​​Lane Hutson's potential impact on the Montreal Canadiens roster, as well as how players like Juraj Slafkovksi would be better off with Hutson in the lineup, you can read our latest analysis of the elite prospect by clicking here. .