Canadiens sign top defense prospect to entry-level deal

The 20-year-old’s sophomore season at Boston University ended Thursday when the Terriers were eliminated in the semifinals of the NCAA National Championship, upset 2-1 in overtime by Denver. 

Hutson won’t make his NHL debut Saturday against the Senators but could suit up in the Canadiens' two remaining contests against the Red Wings, says Sportsnet’s Eric Engels.

Montreal confirmed it’s a three-year deal beginning immediately for Hutson, meaning he’ll be an RFA upon expiration in 2026. It didn’t disclose financial terms.

Hutson, a left-shot, landed first in the Canadiens prospect pool in Scott Wheeler’s 2024 rankings for The Athletic, continuing a meteoric rise in the diminutive defender’s stock. 

Many public scouts viewed him as a potential first-round selection in the 2022 draft but slipped to Montreal at 62nd overall late in the second round with many clubs scared off by his 5-foot-8 frame. He’s now listed at 5-foot-10 and 161 pounds nearly two years later.

It’s been an exemplary two years for Hutson at BU. Serving as an alternate captain this season, he led all NCAA blueliners in scoring with 49 points, tied with 2024 draft-eligible Zeev Buium, who’s now moving on to the national championship game tomorrow with Denver. His 1.29 points per game were solely in first place, making him a Hobey Baker Award nominee for the top collegiate player for a second straight season.

He put up quite similar totals in his freshman campaign, earning him Hockey East All-Star credits in both seasons. His 48 points in 39 games in 2022-23 broke Hall of Famer Brian Leetch’s records for the most points by a U-19 defenseman in an NCAA season. 

The Illinois-born defender has also suited up for Team USA in each of the last two World Junior Championships, winning bronze in 2023 and gold in 2024 while totaling a goal and nine assists across 14 tournament games.

Some concerns remain about his undersized frame and his lack of ability to box out NHL forwards in front of his net, likely dampening his long-term value only slightly. 

He’s still a possession monster and an incredibly high-volume shooter with excellent agility and playmaking skills, and he has first-pair upside if partnered with a larger, defensively intelligent blueliner. Even if he can’t handle those minutes at even strength, he’s a slam dunk to quarterback the Habs’ top power play unit soon.

Hutson will likely remain in the NHL next season but will need to unseat other young Montreal defenders like Justin Barron, Jayden Struble, Arber Xhekaj, or the older Johnathan Kovacevic for a roster spot. All are either signed for next season or otherwise under team control.