The Montreal Canadiens’ optional practice session in Brossard this morning featured a notable pairing: rookie defenseman Lane Hutson working alongside Arber Xhekaj. This collaboration is unsurprising, given both players’ commitment to development and their complementary styles on the ice.
Lane Hutson, drafted 62nd overall by the Canadiens in 2022, has quickly made an impact in his rookie NHL season. By December 2024, he was in the midst of a seven-game point streak, setting a franchise record for rookie defensemen citeturn0search0. His 19 assists at that time placed him second in the NHL rookie scoring race, trailing only Philadelphia Flyers’ Matvei Michkov. Hutson’s impressive playmaking abilities and vision have earned him significant ice time, averaging 22:54 minutes per game, and a spot on Montreal’s first power-play unit.
Arber Xhekaj, known for his physical presence and defensive reliability, provides a contrasting yet complementary style to Hutson’s game. Xhekaj’s journey to the NHL has been marked by perseverance and determination, traits that have endeared him to both teammates and fans. His ability to mentor younger players has been evident, making him an ideal partner for Hutson during practice sessions.
The synergy between Hutson and Xhekaj was also highlighted during the Canadiens’ development camp in July 2024. Both players participated in on-ice activities, focusing on enhancing their skills and understanding of the game citeturn0search1. Their collaboration during these sessions laid the groundwork for their current on-ice partnership.
Head coach Martin St. Louis has expressed confidence in Hutson’s abilities, particularly noting his defensive competitiveness citeturn0search0. This endorsement underscores the organization’s belief in Hutson’s potential and the value of pairing him with a seasoned player like Xhekaj to further his development.
The Canadiens’ coaching staff has been proactive in facilitating such partnerships. For instance, in November 2024, defensemen including Hutson and Xhekaj participated in additional drills with director of hockey development Adam Nicholas ahead of the main practice session citeturn0search4. These initiatives reflect the team’s commitment to nurturing young talent through strategic mentorship and practice pairings.
Hutson’s dedication to improvement is evident in his approach to the game. Despite his relatively smaller stature at 5-foot-9, he has consistently demonstrated resilience and adaptability. “I mean people are gonna have their opinions on it. I really don’t look at it that way,” Hutson stated regarding his size. “I’ll be 5-foot-9 or 5-foot-10 and I won’t be a certain weight and now people are gonna comment on it. So either way, I’ll focus on what I’m doing and when you get on the ice everyone’s the same size” citeturn0search1.
Xhekaj’s influence extends beyond physical play; his leadership qualities have been instrumental in guiding younger teammates. His journey from undrafted free agent to NHL regular serves as an inspiring narrative for players like Hutson, illustrating the rewards of hard work and perseverance.
The collaboration between Hutson and Xhekaj during practice sessions is a strategic move by the Canadiens to blend youthful creativity with seasoned experience. As the team continues to develop its roster, such partnerships are crucial in fostering a cohesive and dynamic defensive unit.
In conclusion, the sight of Lane Hutson and Arber Xhekaj working together during the Canadiens’ optional practice in Brossard is a testament to the team’s focus on player development and strategic mentorship. This pairing not only enhances individual skills but also contributes to the overall strength and depth of Montreal’s defensive lineup.