Xavier Villenueve: The Next Offensive Defenseman to Watch After Lane Hutson

The NHL community is buzzing with comparisons of draft prospects to current stars, particularly when it comes to undersized offensive defensemen. Right now, the spotlight is on Lane Hutson of the Montreal Canadiens, who has set a high bar for players in his position. After being selected in the second round (62nd overall) of the 2022 NHL Draft, Hutson’s size raised questions, allowing him to slip outside the top five. However, his subsequent dominance at Boston University quickly silenced critics, prompting other teams to regret passing on him.

In his rookie season, Hutson captured the Calder Trophy, awarded to the league’s top rookie, and followed it up with an impressive performance in his second season, recording 12 goals and 66 assists for a total of 78 points. His contributions earned him a sixth-place finish in Norris Trophy voting, and he showcased his durability by playing all 82 games in both years.

Fast forward to the 2026 NHL Draft, and the Chicago Blackhawks selected Xavier Villenueve, who mirrors Hutson’s draft profile. At 5’11” and 163 lbs, Villenueve possesses the offensive skills that have drawn comparisons to the Canadiens’ standout. While it may be ambitious to expect him to become a superstar as quickly as Hutson, Villenueve is poised to enhance the Blackhawks’ lineup with his unique skill set.

“The skill-set I have is pretty rare, without being too cocky,” Villenueve stated after his draft. He expressed confidence in his ability to overcome his size with intelligence and agility. In the competitive landscape of the NHL, believing in oneself is crucial, and Villenueve’s self-assuredness is evident.

His confidence is echoed by those within the Blackhawks organization, including GM Kyle Davidson and Director of Scouting Mike Doneghey. “His only downfall is that he’s 5’11,” Doneghey remarked. “What if he were 6’1? Well, then he’s probably near the top of the class. He’s in that top-10 skill set with the guys who went in the first round.” This belief in Villenueve’s potential highlights the expectations surrounding his development.

Like Hutson, Villenueve is set to attend Boston University, where he will not only refine his skills but also add weight to his frame. Every offensive defenseman faces scrutiny regarding their defensive capabilities, but the NCAA experience is expected to bolster his all-around game. Under the guidance of head coach Jay Pandolfo, Villenueve will learn the nuances of the pro game and what it takes to thrive in the attacking zone.

As the Blackhawks evaluate their defensive roster, the future of Kevin Korchinski appears uncertain. With Bowen Byram and other highly drafted defensemen in the pipeline, the question remains: can Villenueve step into the role of the offensive defenseman that Kyle Davidson seeks? Clarity on this matter will likely emerge in the next two years as Villenueve embarks on his collegiate journey.

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