There's of course Nick Suzuki and Cole Caulfield's steps forward in assuming their roles as franchise players, both leading the club with 43 and 42 points, respectively. But Hutson is running the defensive corps, averaging 22:42 per night, which gives him a serious edge on Celebrini and Michkov for the campaign's best rookie.

Corey Pronman of The Athletic recently released a list of the top under-23-year-old players, and it has set off a backlash online. His list seems to be,

The Montreal Canadiens have found a gem in Lane Hutson, and locking him down as soon as possible may quickly become priority Number 1 going into the offseason.

Alex Newhook’s deflection broke a tie midway through the third period and unbeaten rookie Jakub Dobes made 32 saves as the Montreal Canadiens defeated the Dallas Stars 3-1.

DALLAS -- Jakub Dobes made 32 saves for the Montreal Canadiens, who scored three straight goals to defeat the Dallas Stars 3-1 at American Airlines Center on Thursday. The 23-year-old goalie has allowed four goals while winning his first four NHL starts, including a 34-save shutout in his debut against the Florida Panthers on Dec. 28.

Jakub Dobes made 32 saves and Alex Newhook scored a go-ahead goal midway through the third period to lead the Montreal Canadiens to a 3-1 road win over the Dallas Stars on Thursday.