Lane Hutson is at the heart of a growing controversy with the Canadiens

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Jim Sullivan
November 14, 2024 (8:17)

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The Montreal Canadiens' management of young defenseman Lane Hutson continues to draw criticism from fans and experts.

Since the start of the season, many have questioned the decision to place Mike Matheson on the first power play unit, rather than using Hutson with the team's best elements.

The decision to keep Matheson at the start of the season made a lot of sense in order not to overload the 20-year-old rookie in his first steps in the NHL.

However, after 16 games, it is clear that Hutson is outperforming the 30-year-old veteran, and relegating him to the second wave of the power play, who barely touches the ice, seems unjustified.

Martin St. Louis draws criticism from observers with the use of Mike Matheson and Lane Hutson on the power play

This situation has been particularly frustrating for many for a while, but the recent game against the Buffalo Sabers further fueled fan discontent.

Many wonder why head coach Martin St. Louis persists in using Matheson as a priority in the power play, even when the Quebec defender is having a bad game, like last Monday.

While it's understandable that St. Louis wants to let Hutson earn his role, he hasn't attempted to make the switch so far, even when Matheson is struggling.

«Mike had a very bad game. Lane Hutson an excellent one. I would have liked to see it on the PP1.

«Hard coaching» also means going with those who give you the best chance of winning.

Even more so when these are guys who will be part of your core for 20 years. » - Anthony Martineau

During the game against the Sabres, this insistence on keeping Matheson on the first unit annoyed many observers, to the point of creating some controversy.

To better understand the respective efficiency of the two players, Matheson is heading toward a 51-point season with an average time of 3 minutes and 18 seconds on the power play. Hutson, meanwhile, is also aiming for a 51-point season, but with an average time of just 2:27 in this situation.

It's easy to see who could have the biggest impact on the power play, and it's Hutson.

It is regrettable that St. Louis does not dare to place more trust in the 20-year-old, who not only represents the future of the Canadian, but who is already the team's best defender in his first professional season.