Lane Hutson is no longer simply an exciting young defenseman with offensive upside. He has already become one of the most valuable blue-liners in Fantasy Hockey, and my projection has the Montreal Canadiens star taking another step forward during the 2026–27 NHL season.
After producing 12 goals and 66 assists for 78 points in 82 games last season, Hutson enters the new campaign with a legitimate opportunity to break the 80-point barrier. My official Lane Hutson point projection for 2026–27 is 14 goals, 69 assists and 83 points in 84 games.
The NHL’s expanded schedule helps, but this prediction is about much more than two additional games. Hutson controls Montreal’s transition game, creates offence at even strength and remains the quarterback of a dangerous Canadiens power play featuring Nick Suzuki, Cole Caufield, Juraj Slafkovsky and Ivan Demidov. That combination gives him one of the highest assist ceilings of any NHL defenseman.
Fantasy managers should now view Hutson as a top-five option at his position rather than a young player who still needs to prove himself.
| Season | Games | Goals | Assists | Points | Points Per Game |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025–26 Actual | 82 | 12 | 66 | 78 | 0.95 |
| 2026–27 Projection | 84 | 14 | 69 | 83 | 0.99 |
Projected range: 74-point floor, 83-point median projection and 91-point fantasy ceiling.
Lane Hutson Career NHL Stats
| Type | GP | G | A | P | +/- |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Regular Season | 166 | 18 | 128 | 146 | 32 |
| Playoffs | 24 | 3 | 18 | 21 | -8 |
Lane Hutson’s 2026–27 Fantasy Hockey Point Projection
My projection method starts with Hutson’s production rate from last season. His 78 points in 82 games represented a rate of approximately 0.95 points per game. Simply carrying that rate into Montreal’s new 84-game schedule produces a baseline of roughly 80 points.
I then apply a modest development increase rather than projecting an unrealistic offensive explosion. Hutson is already receiving the minutes and opportunities normally reserved for established superstar defensemen. He led Montreal’s defensemen in even-strength, power-play and overtime usage last season while averaging 23:46 per game overall.
His 58 even-strength points are particularly encouraging. A defenseman who relies exclusively on power-play production can become vulnerable when a team changes its personnel or struggles with the man advantage. Hutson has demonstrated that he can generate offence in virtually every game state.
That is why I am comfortable projecting 83 points rather than anticipating major regression.
Why Hutson Can Surpass 80 Points for the Montreal Canadiens
The biggest reason for optimism is the talent surrounding Hutson. Suzuki is an elite distributor, Caufield provides a dangerous shooting threat, Slafkovsky creates space around the net and Demidov adds another layer of creativity. Hutson does not need to force low-percentage shots when he can move laterally, draw penalty killers toward him and find one of Montreal’s finishers in open space.
My personal observation is that Hutson’s deception is more important than his size or shot velocity. He changes direction before defenders can establish their coverage, keeps his head up while carrying the puck and regularly turns routine offensive-zone possessions into scoring opportunities.
He also understands that maintaining possession can be a defensive weapon. During Montreal’s end-of-season media availability, Hutson explained, “The more we play with it, we don’t have to defend.” That philosophy perfectly describes why his puck-moving ability is so valuable to both the Canadiens and Fantasy Hockey managers.
The primary risk is that assists can fluctuate from season to season. Secondary assists, teammate shooting percentages and power-play conversion rates can all produce statistical swings. Montreal also has other capable offensive defensemen, meaning Hutson must continue earning the overwhelming majority of first-unit power-play time.
However, I do not expect his role to change significantly. Hutson is the player Montreal wants carrying the puck through the neutral zone and controlling possession at the blue line. He is also beginning a long-term contract that confirms his place at the centre of the Canadiens’ competitive window.
Lane Hutson Fantasy Hockey Draft Advice
In standard redraft formats, I would target Hutson shortly after the first tier of elite forwards and defensemen leaves the board. His value is strongest in leagues that reward assists, power-play points and shots, but his even-strength production gives him a dependable floor in points-only pools as well.
My projected range is approximately 74 to 91 points. The lower end accounts for missed games or power-play regression, while his ceiling reflects what could happen if Montreal’s young forwards continue developing and Hutson converts a few more of his own scoring chances.
Final Lane Hutson prediction: 14 goals, 69 assists and 83 points in 84 games. That would make him one of the NHL’s highest-scoring defensemen and a potential league-winning selection for Fantasy Hockey managers who secure him at the right stage of their draft.
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The post Lane Hutson Point Projections for the 2026–27 NHL Season appeared first on NHL Trade Rumors.
