Lane Hutson’s historic first season has earned him some hardware.
The Montreal Canadiens defenceman was announced as the winner of the Calder Trophy on Tuesday morning, given annually to the NHL’s top rookie.
Hutson's family and friends surprised him with the award during a recent dinner.
Huston received 165 of 191 available first-place votes to beat out Calgary Flames goaltender Dustin Wolf (15 first-place votes) and San Jose Sharks forward Macklin Celebrini (11) for the award.
The 21-year-old Huston hit multiple major milestones for scoring by a rookie defenceman this season, helping the Canadiens return to the playoffs for the first time in four years.
Hutson became the fourth defenceman in the NHL’s modern era (since 1943-44) to lead rookies in scoring, joining Bobby Orr (13-28-41 in 1966-67 with the Bruins), Brian Leetch (23-48-71 in 1988-89 with the New York Rangers) and Quinn Hughes (8-45-53 in 2019-20 with the Canucks).
Hutson's 60 assists matched Larry Murphy (1980-81 with the Kings) for the most by a rookie defenceman in NHL history, while his 66 points trailed only Murphy (16-60-76 in 1980-81 with Los Angeles), Leetch and Gary Suter (18-50-68 in 1985-86 with the Flames) for the most by a rookie blueliner.
No rookie, regardless of position, has registered more assists for the Canadiens in a single season.
Hutson is the first Canadiens player to be awarded the Calder Trophy since Ken Dryden won it back in 1972. He was Montreal’s first Calder Trophy finalist since 2012-13, when current teammate Brendan Gallagher placed second in voting.
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