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.

Canadiens defenceman Lane Hutson is having a very impressive rookie season in the NHL. After picking up three assists in Tuesday’s 5-3 road win over the Utah Hockey Club, the 22-year-old Hutson was leading all NHL rookies in scoring with 3-32-35 totals in in 43 games.

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 players are sacrificing a lot for something that’s bigger than themselves, and you can see it,” Canadiens coach Martin St. Louis said.

Jakub Dobes is now 4-0 with the Canadiens after a standout performance against the Stars. His home debut awaits, and Canadiens fans figure to go berserk for the young goalie.

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.