As the Montreal Canadiens continue their ascent, a debate is heating up among fans and analysts: which of their young studs, Ivan Demidov or Lane Hutson, is poised to become the bigger superstar in the NHL? With both players showing immense promise, let’s break down the case for each.
Breaking Down the Path to Stardom for Each Player
The Case for Lane Hutson
Lane Hutson, at just 21 years old, has already made a significant impact. He’s not only played big, meaningful minutes down the stretch to help his team reach the playoffs but has done so in a way that sets him apart. Described as a true “outlier” at his position, Hutson compensates for a lack of size with exceptional intelligence and a unique ability to see the play develop well ahead of his opponents.
His creativity and an amazing first pass make him a constant threat on the ice. Despite being snubbed by the US Olympic team, a move that is expected to fuel his motivation, Hutson’s performance has already drawn comparisons to top defensemen in the league. The consensus is that his unique skill set gives him a special edge.
The Case for Ivan Demidov
Ivan Demidov, the runaway favorite to win the Calder trophy this season, brings a different but equally electrifying set of skills to the Canadiens. He is an added offensive threat whose creativity and deception are second to none. Expected to get time on the first power-play unit, Demidov provides a much-needed layer of secondary scoring that the team has lacked in the past.
Despite his youth, he has shown that he is not overwhelmed by the high-pressure Montreal market. As he navigates his first full 82-game season, the key will be adapting to the demanding North American game, a challenge he has already begun to tackle head-on.
The Verdict?
While both players are on the path to stardom, the edge currently goes to Lane Hutson. The belief is that for Demidov to be in the same conversation as superstars like Nathan McKinnon or Connor McDavid is an almost unattainable feat. Hutson, however, is already being compared to elite defensemen like Victor Hedman and Adam Fox. Because he is such a rare and exceptional talent at his position, many believe Lane Hutson will eventually emerge as the bigger star for the Montreal Canadiens.
A Bright Future in Montreal
Regardless of who becomes the bigger name, the future is bright for the Habs. With young talent like Hutson and Demidov, solid goaltending from Samuel Montembeault, and key additions like defenseman Noah Dobson, the team is poised to take another significant step forward this year. The added depth and scoring threat make the Canadiens a team to watch as their young stars continue to develop.
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The post The Superstar Debate Tearing Montreal Apart: Lane Hutson vs. Ivan Demidov – Who’s Your Pick? appeared first on NHL Trade Rumors.
