Montreal Canadiens star Lane Hutson has officially reached 100 career assists, becoming the second-fastest defenseman in NHL history to hit the mark. Discover the stats and story behind this historic achievement here!
There are hockey players who follow the play, and then there are players who dictate it. Since his debut, Lane Hutson has belonged firmly in the latter category. This past week, the young blueliner solidified his status as a generational talent by reaching a milestone that few in the history of the sport have touched so quickly.
Lane Hutson: Career Milestone Overview
| Feature | Details |
| Milestone Achieved | 100th Career NHL Assist |
| Games Required | 132 Games |
| NHL Rank (Defensemen) | 2nd Fastest Ever (behind Sergei Zubov) |
| Franchise Rank | Fastest Defenseman in Canadiens History |
| Age at Milestone | 21 Years Old |
| Assist Play | Primary assist on an Ivan Demidov goal |
The Historic Night in Buffalo: A Moment to Remember
It wasn’t just any regular Tuesday night for the Montreal Canadiens. Facing off against the Buffalo Sabres, the atmosphere at KeyBank Center was electric, but the real fireworks came from the visiting team’s blue line. Early in the game, while on a power play, Lane Hutson showcased the elite vision that has become his trademark.
Dangling at the point with the poise of a ten-year veteran, Hutson delivered a tape-to-tape pass to fellow young star Ivan Demidov. Demidov didn’t miss, hammering home a one-timer that sent the Habs fans into a frenzy. That simple, yet perfect, pass was the 100th assist of Hutson’s career—a feat accomplished in just 132 games.
Chasing Legends: Where Lane Hutson Stands
To put this achievement into perspective, you have to look at the names Lane Hutson is now being compared to. In the entire history of the National Hockey League, only one defenseman has reached 100 assists faster: the legendary Sergei Zubov, who did it in 127 games. Hutson managed to edge out Hall of Famers like Mark Howe and Stefan Persson, who both required 135 games.
Even within the storied history of the Montreal Canadiens, Hutson is standing alone on the blue line. While Buddy O’Connor (a forward) reached the mark in 129 games back in the 1940s, no Montreal defenseman has ever come close to this pace. It is a testament to how quickly the “Hutson Era” has taken hold in Montreal, proving that his 62nd overall draft position in 2022 was perhaps the greatest steal in recent memory.
A Masterclass in Vision and “The Hutson Shuffle”
What makes Lane Hutson so difficult to defend against? It’s not just speed; it’s deception. Scouts and fans alike have fallen in love with “The Hutson Shuffle”—that unique, lateral skating move he uses at the blue line to freeze defenders. By the time the opposing winger realizes where the puck is going, it’s already on the stick of a teammate in a high-danger scoring area.
His processing speed is elite. While many defensemen prioritize getting the puck deep or taking a safe shot, Lane Hutson is constantly looking for the “seam” pass. Through 48 games this season, he is currently tied with Cale Makar for the league lead in assists by a defenseman, proving that his rookie-of-the-year campaign last season was no fluke.
A Cornerstone for the Canadiens’ Future
For the Montreal Canadiens organization, this milestone represents more than just a stat; it represents hope. After years of rebuilding, the front office has found their offensive engine. Lane Hutson isn’t just a part of the power play; he is the power play. His chemistry with players like Cole Caufield and Nick Suzuki has turned the Habs into one of the most exciting offensive teams in the Atlantic Division.
The timing of this milestone is also poetic. With an eight-year, $70.8 million contract extension set to kick in next season, Lane Hutson is officially the face of the Montreal defense for the next decade. Management clearly saw the value in his 115 career points early on, and he is rewarding that faith with record-breaking performances every week.
The Road to 200: What’s Next for Number 48?
As the 2025-26 season continues, the question isn’t whether Lane Hutson will win more trophies, but how many. He is currently in the thick of the Norris Trophy conversation, challenging established stars like Cale Makar and Quinn Hughes for the title of the league’s best defenseman.
Despite being “undersized” by old-school hockey standards, Hutson has proven that hockey IQ and elite edge work trump physical height every time. If he continues at this current pace of nearly an assist per game, we might be looking at a player who rewrites the record books for American-born defensemen before his 25th birthday.
Conclusion
Reaching 100 assists in just 132 games is a historic achievement that places Lane Hutson among the absolute elite in NHL history. His blend of creativity, poise, and relentless offensive drive has revitalized the Montreal Canadiens and captivated the hockey world. As we watch his career unfold, it is clear that we aren’t just watching a great young player; we are watching a future Hall of Famer in the making. The milestone reached this week is just the beginning for Lane Hutson.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Who is the fastest defenseman to reach 100 NHL assists?
The record is held by Sergei Zubov, who reached 100 assists in just 127 games. Lane Hutson is now the second-fastest, reaching the mark in 132 games.
2. When did Lane Hutson record his 100th assist?
The milestone occurred on Thursday, January 15, 2026, during a road game against the Buffalo Sabres.
3. Which teammate did Lane Hutson assist for his 100th helper?
Hutson recorded his 100th assist by setting up a power-play goal for fellow young phenom Ivan Demidov.
4. How many points does Lane Hutson have this season?
Through 48 games in the 2025-26 season, Lane Hutson has recorded 47 points (8 goals and 39 assists), leading all NHL defensemen in helpers alongside Cale Makar.
5. What awards has Lane Hutson won in the NHL?
Lane Hutson won the Calder Memorial Trophy as the NHL’s Rookie of the Year for the 2024–25 season after leading all rookies in scoring with 66 points.
Would you like me to create a detailed point-per-game comparison between Lane Hutson and Cale Makar through their first two NHL seasons?
