Martin St-Louis Bets Big on Lane Hutson and Mike Matheson — and It Pays Off for Canadiens….read more….
Montreal, QC – April 20, 2025 — With the season hanging in the balance, Canadiens head coach Martin St-Louis made a bold call—leaning heavily on defensemen Lane Hutson and Mike Matheson down the final stretch. That gamble? It turned out to be a winning one.
As the Canadiens pushed to solidify their position late in the regular season, St-Louis entrusted the dynamic duo with increased ice time and key responsibilities. The result: a resurgent Montreal squad that found stability on the blue line and delivered clutch performances when it mattered most.
The Youth-Veteran Combo That Clicked
Lane Hutson, the highly touted rookie, brought his electrifying offensive instincts and elite puck movement to the table. Despite his youth, Hutson quickly proved he could handle top-line minutes, especially alongside the veteran presence of Mike Matheson.
Matheson, one of Montreal’s most experienced and dependable defensemen, elevated his play in tandem with the young star. The pair became the heartbeat of the Canadiens’ transition game—combining speed, vision, and composure in critical situations.
“Lane’s got that natural creativity, and Mike brings the calm,” St-Louis said postgame after a crucial late-season win. “They complemented each other in ways that lifted the whole team.”
Doubling Down on Potential
Rather than easing Hutson into limited shifts, St-Louis showed full confidence in his rookie defender. Over the final weeks, Hutson’s ice time steadily rose, and his production followed suit. The 20-year-old recorded multiple assists, sparked the power play, and even logged top-pairing minutes against some of the league’s toughest opponents.
Matheson, for his part, embraced the leadership role, mentoring Hutson while anchoring the back end with his dependable two-way play.
“Martin trusted us, and that gave us the green light to go out and make a difference,” said Matheson. “Lane’s got something special, and I’m proud of the way we worked together.”
The Payoff
Montreal’s late push saw them earn critical points in tight games, with Hutson and Matheson often playing major roles in those victories. From shutting down top lines to generating offense from the back, the duo helped spark a well-timed surge in momentum.
Their standout performances didn’t go unnoticed, with analysts praising St-Louis’ willingness to take a calculated risk by elevating a rookie into such a key role.
Looking Ahead
With the regular season wrapped and playoff hopes still alive, the Canadiens now look to carry that energy forward. And if the final stretch taught us anything, it’s that St-Louis isn’t afraid to trust talent—regardless of age.
Lane Hutson and Mike Matheson have not only earned their coach’s confidence—they’ve become a blueprint for the future of Montreal’s blue line.
