Montreal Canadiens defenceman Lane Hutson has claimed the Calder Trophy as the NHL’s rookie of the year after an outstanding inaugural season. Hutson led all first-year players in scoring, notching six goals and 60 assists, propelling Montreal to a surprise playoff berth.
His 60 assists tied Larry Murphy’s 1980-81 mark for the most by a rookie defenceman, while his 66 total points placed him behind only Murphy, Brian Leetch, and Gary Suter among rookie blueliners in NHL history.
Selected 62nd overall in the 2022 NHL Draft, Hutson becomes just the second Montreal player in the expansion era to win the Calder, following legendary goaltender Ken Dryden in 1971-72.
The 21-year-old received the trophy during a private dinner with over 50 family and friends. He secured first-place votes on 165 of 191 ballots cast by the Professional Hockey Writers Association. Calgary Flames goaltender Dustin Wolf and San Jose Sharks centre Macklin Celebrini finished second and third, respectively, in the voting.
Swifteradio.com
