Lane Hutson Among NHL’s Top Players in 2025-26 Season Rankings

The Hockey News unveiled its Top 100 NHL players list for the 2025-26 season, and the Montreal Canadiens proudly feature four representatives. Among them, Lane Hutson stands out as the highest-ranked player, coming in at an impressive 26th place. Just ahead of him is Jack Hughes, who occupies the 25th spot. Hutson’s ranking reflects not only his remarkable offensive skills but also significant strides in his defensive game.

This past season, Hutson showcased his talent by accumulating 78 points while finishing with a plus-36 rating. In contrast, his rookie season saw him record 66 points with a minus-two rating. What truly sets Hutson apart is his relentless backchecking; when he turns the puck over, he transitions to defense with an urgency that is rarely seen. Even after shooting attempts that lead him behind the opponent’s net, he is often one of the first players back in the defensive zone, underscoring his commitment to the game.

Hutson’s passion for hockey remains unwavering in his second season. He consistently leads the team in practice attendance, often being the first player on the ice, even for optional sessions. His dedication is such that coaches occasionally have to remind him to take a day off.

After signing an eight-year contract with an $8.850 million cap hit, Hutson has further demonstrated his loyalty to the Canadiens. He accepted a deal that is less than Noah Dobson’s, finalizing the agreement swiftly. Although Hutson had limited leverage during negotiations, he chose not to pursue a higher salary. Instead, his focus lies on playing the game he loves and achieving success with the franchise that believed in him, even when he was drafted 62nd overall in 2022. His performance continues to justify that selection as one of the biggest steals of the draft.

Note: This recap is an independently written summary based on publicly available reporting.