Canadiens' Lane Hutson Believes Brother Cole Could Outshine Him in NHL
Montreal Canadiens defenseman Lane Hutson has expressed high praise for his younger brother Cole, who recently made his NHL debut with the Washington Capitals. In an interview, Lane suggested that Cole possesses the potential to surpass his own achievements in professional hockey.
A Promising Debut for Cole Hutson
Cole Hutson, selected by the Washington Capitals in the second round of the 2024 NHL Draft, made an immediate impact in his first game. The 19-year-old defenseman scored an empty-net goal during a 4-1 victory over the Ottawa Senators on March 18, 2026. His parents were in attendance, and veteran teammate Alex Ovechkin was the first to congratulate him on the milestone.
"I think he has that ability to be better than me," Lane Hutson remarked about his brother. "I think he'll get drafted much higher. He's a super-talented player." Cole was drafted 19 spots higher than Lane, who was selected by the Canadiens in the third round of the 2022 draft.
Family Ties and Hockey Background
The Hutson family has deep roots in hockey. Three of the four Hutson brothers have now played in the NHL. Quinn, a 24-year-old forward, has appeared in games with the Edmonton Oilers, while the youngest, 17-year-old Lars, is developing in the USHL. Their parents, Rob and Julie, own the Barrington Ice Arena in Illinois, where Rob coaches youth hockey and runs the Hutson Pro Development program.
Lane Hutson watched his brother's debut on television and was impressed by Cole's performance. "My brother, it seemed like he had the puck every time he was out there, so it was pretty fun to watch," Lane said. "I don't remember it being that easy for me. He looked unreal, so it was fun to watch."
Comparing Styles and Strengths
When asked to compare their playing styles, Cole noted similarities and differences. "We're very similar, I think, offensively," he explained. "We see the same plays, but we make them differently. He knows the next play that's going to happen when the puck's on his stick and he tries to skate himself into it and make it. I kind of let the play come to me and then make it."
Both brothers use distinctive tape jobs on their sticks, with Cole opting for a black-taped blade on a white stick and Lane using a white-taped blade on a black stick. This unique detail has drawn attention from coaches and analysts, highlighting their individual approaches to the game.
Lane Hutson's Performance with the Canadiens
Meanwhile, Lane Hutson continues to excel with the Montreal Canadiens. Heading into a recent game, he had recorded 11 goals and 58 assists, nearing the team's record for most assists in a season by a defenseman, set by Hall of Famer Larry Robinson in 1976-77. Lane's endurance was on display during a recent overtime shift lasting over two minutes, where he made a critical defensive play to help secure a win.
Canadiens head coach Martin St. Louis has emphasized the importance of rest as the season progresses, with the team playing 14 games in 25 days. Despite a cancelled practice, Lane Hutson and teammate Oliver Kapanen still showed up for optional skating, demonstrating their dedication.
Team Updates and Fan Reactions
The article also touches on other Canadiens news, including Brendan Gallagher playing his 900th game with the team, receiving a heartfelt ovation from fans. Additionally, goaltender Jakub Dobes has shown improvement in puck-handling since a coaching change, and defenseman Mike Matheson faced criticism on social media after a costly error in a recent loss.
Defensive breakdowns remain a concern for the Canadiens, as seen in games against the Anaheim Ducks and Boston Bruins. However, veterans like Phillip Danault have emphasized that such mistakes are part of the game and not indicative of individual failures.
As the NHL season continues, the Hutson brothers' careers will be closely watched, with Lane's belief in Cole's potential adding an intriguing narrative to their family's hockey legacy.
