There's of course Nick Suzuki and Cole Caulfield's steps forward in assuming their roles as franchise players, both leading the club with 43 and 42 points, respectively. But Hutson is running the defensive corps, averaging 22:42 per night, which gives him a serious edge on Celebrini and Michkov for the campaign's best rookie.

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With a three-point effort on Monday night versus the Vancouver Canucks, Canadiens skater Lane Hutson now leads all NHL rookies in points, with three goals and 27 assists in 40 games.

In addition to elite offensive flair, diminutive Canadiens rookie defenceman has shown he can more than hold his own in his own zone.

Emma Lingan and Michael Augello discuss Lane Hutson, a rumored failed trade between the Canucks and Rangers, the Oilers' Leon Draisaitl, the Sabres' Dylan Cozens and more.

Corey Pronman of The Athletic recently released a list of the top under-23-year-old players, and it has set off a backlash online. His list seems to be,