The successor to Andrei Markov finally acquired by the Montreal Canadiens? Kent Hughes hit a home run with the selection of Lane Hutson

However, the successor to number 79 may already be in the organization. Lane Hutson has been turning heads since his selection in 2022, and many analysts agree that he could be the steal of that draft.

Currently at the World Juniors with the United States, Hutson continues to impress, so much so that Mike Johnson made quite a statement about him:

Lane's talent is not in question. It's his size that still concerns analysts today. That's why he slipped to the 62nd overall pick.

I have a feeling we'll have to wait until we see him in the NHL before his qualities are finally recognized by everyone. Personally, I believe that if Quinn Hughes can be as dominant with a little more height, I don't see why Hutson couldn't also become an elite defenseman in the NHL.