Report: Montreal Canadiens sign Lane Hutson

The big day arrived when the Montreal Canadiens terminated the contract of Lane Hutson. News of the deal broke Friday afternoon as the Habs signed the Boston University pick. Sportsnet's Elliott Friedman was the first to break the news of the deal. However, the terms have not yet been revealed.

Lane Hutson has indeed joined the Montreal Canadiens

— Elliott Friedman (@FriedgeHNIC) April 12, 2024

Habs ink Lane Huston contract

Houston played for the Boston University Terriers the past two seasons after spending time with the United States National Development Team program. Holland, Mich. native scored 15 goals in both his freshman and sophomore seasons with the Terriers. He helped BU reach the Frozen Four in the 2023-24 season. Boston University went to the University of Denver in overtime.

The 20-year-old was taken by the Canadiens in the second, 62nd round of the 2022 NHL Draft. Houston averaged nearly 50 points in two college seasons in Boston. He was named the 2023 Hockey East Player of the Year and received a number of other honors from the conference.

Houston also played for the US national team at the international level. He helped the Americans win the gold medal at the last 2024 IIHF World Junior tournament. The young defender made six assists for the US team. He also helped the United States win a bronze medal at the 2023 event.

What does this mean?

The Canadiens add another young weapon to their arsenal. Montreal has done an excellent job of producing talented players from the NCAA ranks in recent seasons. Cole Caulfield has become a star player and the hope is that Houston can do the same.

There are questions about Hutson's size, standing at 5-foot-10 and 162 pounds. However, he has dynamic skating and moves the puck very well. Houston can change direction quickly and has a unique edge.

Montreal has good building blocks to move up the standings in the Atlantic Division. Many Habs fans are hoping Hutson will be another piece to help complete the puzzle.

Main photo by Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports

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