The Canadiens have Lane Hutson focused on the Frozen Four, but closer to the NHL

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Lane Hutson has never had a problem staying in the moment.

The defenseman is currently focused on helping Boston University capture its sixth USA Hockey title in the NCAA Men's Frozen Four.

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However, Hutson knows a big decision is coming.

Widely regarded as the Canadiens' top prospect, the 20-year-old could sign his first NHL game by this time next week and whatever happens in the exhibition in St. Paul, Minn.

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“My mindset is that I have a great opportunity to win a national championship for a school that has done so much for me,” Hutson said. “Once the season is over, you evaluate and see your next game or see if you want to stay.

“There are a lot of guys in that position, but I feel like I'm going to be in a good spot.”

Hutson will do well for the Terriers as they advance to the semifinals against the University of Denver on Thursday.

Selected by Montreal with the 62nd pick in the 2022 draft — he fell down the board because of his size — the 5-foot-10, 162-pound blueliner from Holland is 11th in NCAA scoring in 2023-24 with 15 points. Scored 49 points and 34 goals in 37 games.

Hutson, who helped the U.S. win gold at the 2024 Junior Hockey Championship after winning bronze 12 months ago, was named a rare sophomore captain after a 48-point freshman campaign last season that included a trip to the Frozen Four where his team lost. in the semi-finals.

“Leads by example with his play, his work ethic and his competitiveness,” said Terriers head coach Jay Pandolfo, who has a long NHL playing career. “He feels comfortable being vocal this year.

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“He's just developing his game. He played well defensively in the region games. It will continue to improve. He is always good in attack. It's a great year for us.”

The same could be said for a number of players who hit the ice at the Xcel Energy Center for the annual event, which includes Thursday's semifinal showdown between Boston College and the University of Michigan. The title game is Saturday.

The talent that can be displayed in Minnesota is staggering, with many players gracing NHL resumes after turning pro.

Hutson's junior teammates around the world lead the list, including Boston College's Will Smith (San Jose), Cutter Gauthier (Anaheim), Gabe Perreault (New York Rangers) and Ryan Leonard (Washington) and Michigan's Rutger McGroarty (Winnipeg). .

Boston University blueliner Tom Willander (Vancouver) is a player to watch, along with college teammate McLean Celebrini — a Vancouver native expected to be the No. 1 pick in June's NHL draft — and another U.S. junior world champion, Denver's Zeev Buium at No. 4 North American figure skaters.

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“It shows you where college hockey is at,” Pandolfo said. “All four teams have guys who are not only going to have NHL careers, they're going to be at the top.”

Each year, NCAA All-Stars must weigh whether to stay or leave after their college season ends in joy or despair as they try to win a national title.

Pandolfo has no doubt where Hutson's head is.

“It's kind of wired,” said the 15-season NHL veteran. “He really takes it one day at a time.”

But what's next — which might suit the Canadiens at the Bell Center — is clearly on his mind.

“Some of the smartest fans in the world,” Hutson said. “I like that they're really competitive. It would be my goal to play in front of those fans one day.

“And something I look forward to.”

But only after he takes care of unfinished business.

CANOK CONTENTS

This year's Frozen Four will feature 23 Canadians competing at the home of the Minnesota Wild.

Michigan forward and Toronto Maple Leafs draft pick Nick Moldenhauer is one of them.

“To compete on the big stage and have the opportunity to chase a national championship is really something special,” said the 19-year-old freshman from Mississauga, selected 95th overall in 2022.

And Denver's goalkeeper Matt Davis, native of Calgary.

“Nothing is a given in this program,” the 20-year-old said. “I had to wait two full seasons for my opportunity.

“I wanted to run with it.”

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