Sergei Gonchar Shares Honest Thoughts on Rising Canadiens Star Lane Hutson
At the dawn of a promising new season for the Montreal Canadiens, attention is turning to young defenseman Lane Hutson, whose potential is now beyond question.
Arriving with a reputation as an ultra-offensive and spectacular defenseman, the young American has already shown undeniable talent.
However, according to Sergei Gonchar, the assistant coach responsible for defensemen, there are still several key aspects of the game that Hutson must improve before establishing himself as a pillar on the Canadiens' blue line.
Gonchar, who had a brilliant career himself as an offensive defenseman in the NHL, knows what he's talking about. He sees in Hutson a player capable of changing the course of a game but stresses the importance of developing the foundations of his defensive play.
"I've watched his games. Offensively he's very strong, but he needs to build his defensive side and get stronger physically. Makar is more solid. In the playoffs, toughness is key. Hutson has potential, but the next couple of years will be critical for how he develops after that first success," Gonchar said.
The former NHL star defenseman has great faith in the young Canadiens blueliner
One point Gonchar highlights, is the need for Hutson to gain physical strength. Despite his agility and intelligence on the ice, the young defenseman will need to be able to compete with the NHL's bigger, stronger forwards.
That said, the coaching staff remains confident in his development.
In short, Lane Hutson represents an exciting prospect for the Canadiens, but his path to a top role will require steady improvement in his defensive game and physical adaptation to the realities of the NHL.
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AOUT 24 | 542 ANSWERS Sergei Gonchar Shares Honest Thoughts on Rising Canadiens Star Lane Hutson Will Lane Hutson ever win a Norris Trophy? | ||
| Yes | 477 | 88 % |
| No | 65 | 12 % |
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