I Dig Sports
Connacht have made five changes for their European Challenge Cup quarter-final against Racing 92 in Galway on Saturday.
The province got the better of fellow United Rugby Championship side Cardiff in the last 16 last weekend without captain Cian Prendergast.
The blind-side flanker returns to the six jersey for the visit from the Top 14 outfit, with Josh Murphy moving back into the second row for the tie (20:00 BST).
He will be partnered by former Bristol Bears lock Joe Joyce, who also missed the game against Cardiff.
Prop Denis Buckley starts at loose-head prop, while scrum-half Ben Murphy is fit again after finger surgery.
Shayne Bolton will miss out because of a quad strain with his place on the wing to be taken by Shane Jennings.
The visitors, who are 10th in the Top 14, have named former England captain Owen Farrell on the bench.
The ex-Saracens fly-half started against Perpignan last weekend but England Under-20s playmaker Dan Lancaster - the son of former England coach Stuart - has been handed the number 10 shirt.
Connacht: Hansen; Jennings, Gavin, Aki, Treacy; Hanrahan, B Murphy; Buckley, Heffernan, Bealham, J Murphy, Joyce, Prendergast (capt), Hurley-Langton, Jansen.
Replacements: Tierney-Martin, Dooley, Aungier, Dowling, Boyle, Devine, Ioane, Forde.
Racing 92: James; Naituvi, Habosi, Tuisova, Spring (capt); Lancaster, Le Garrec; Ben Arous, Escobar, Bamba, Palu, Rowlands, Baudonne, Kpoku, Joseph.
Replacements: Couly, Gogichashvili, Leota, R Taofifenua, Manyarara, D Taofifenua, Farrell, Chavancy.
Scotland: Chloe Rollie; Rhona Lloyd, Emma Orr, Lisa Thomson, Francesca McGhie; Helen Nelson, Leia Brebner-Holden; Anne Young, Lana Skeldon, Elliann Clarke, Sarah Bonar, Becky Boyd, Rachel Malcolm (capt), Rachel McLachlan, Evie Gallagher.
Replacements: Elis Martin, Leah Bartlett, Molly Poolman, Adelle Ferrie, Jade Konkel, Alex Stewart, Caity Mattinson, Lucia Scott.
Italy: Vittoria Ostuni Minuzzi; Aura Muzzo, Michela Sillari, Beatrice Rigoni, Alyssa D'Inca; Emma Stevanin, Sofia Stefan; Silvia Turani, Vittoria Vecchini, Sara Seye, Sara Tounesi, Giordana Duca, Francesca Sgorbini, Beatrice Veronese, Elisa Giordano (capt).
Replacements: Desiree Spinelli, Emanuela Stecca, Gaia Maris, Valeria Fedrighi, Alissa Ranuccini, Alia Bitonci, Veronica Madia, Sara Mannini.
Northampton: Ramm; Freeman, Odendaal, Dingwall (capt), Hendy; Smith, Mitchell; Iyogun, Langdon, Davison, Mayanavanua, Coles, Kemeny, Pollock, Augustus.
Replacements: Walker, West, Millar Mills, Lockett, Pearson, James, Hutchinson, Furbank.
Castres: Chabouni; Palis, Botitu, Goodhue, Baget; Le Brun, Fernandez; Walcker, Barlot, Collier, Maravat, Nakarawa, Babillot (capt), Delaporte, Papalii.
Replacements: Zarantonello, Guerois-Galisson, Azar, Meka, Macurdy, Cope, Perrone, Dumora.
Referee: Andrea Piardi (Italy)
BRISTOL, Tenn. Fridays Weather Guard Truck Race at Bristol Motor Speedway is the first of a tripleheader weekend and the Craftsman Truck Series race is first in Kyle Larsons quest to sweep all three national-series races at the 0.533-mile short track.
Its a feat accomplished only by Kyle Busch in 2010 and 2017.
Larson will make his second Truck Series start of the season and the 17th of his career. On March 21, he drove the No. 07 Spire Motorsports Chevrolet to victory at Homestead-Miami Speedway, where a late restart in the Xfinity Series race cost him a chance at a weekend triple at that track.
I am excited for the weekend, Larson said. I love Bristol. Hopefully, the track widens out for the truck race like it did last fall. If it is locked on the bottom, qualifying good is going to be huge.
If we can get it done on Friday, I like our chances Saturday and Sunday (in the NASCAR Xfinity and Cup races).
While Larson pursues the triple, series regulars will compete for the $50,000 Triple Truck Challenge bonus, which is not available to NASCAR Xfinity or Cup Series regulars.
On March 28 at Martinsville Speedway, Daniel Hemric won the first Truck Series race of his career and the first Triple Truck Challenge bonus of the season.
Bristol is a track where Truck Series drivers have shared the wealth. The last 12 races at the track have produced 12 different winners, and the last six trophies have gone to six different racing organizations.
Layne Riggs of Front Row Motorsports is the most recent winner at the track.
Cory Reed Looks To Get Back In The 4-Wide Groove In Vegas
LAS VEGAS Cory Reed made the switch to Pro Stock car from Pro Stock Motorcycle last season and this weekend at the 25th annual NHRA 4-Wide Nationals at The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, hell have his first go at four-wide racing in the Pro Stock category.
After competing for several years in the Pro Stock Motorcycle ranks, Reed joined the KB Titan Racing powerhouse team, where he drives the J&A Service Chevrolet Camaro. This weekend will be his first four-wide race in a Pro Stock car, and also his first four-wide race in four years. The wildest spectacle in racing presents a challenge, but Reed is confident hell be ready.
My last four-wide format race was in 2021 on my Pro Stock Motorcycle, so its been a few years, but I think itll be easy to get right back into it, Reed said. Of course, theres a lot more that goes into racing Pro Stock than motorcycles so I think the first few runs will just be making sure I do my regular routine and doing my job as a driver.
So far in 2025, Reed has two semifinal appearances, including two weeks ago at the Lucas Oil NHRA Winternationals in Pomona. He advanced to the semifinals where he met his teammate and reigning Pro Stock champion Greg Anderson, who has dominated thus far in 2025 and has won the last two races.
This semifinal finish will slot Reed into the Mission #2Fast2Tasty NHRA Challenge. In the four-wide format, he will take be matched with Anderson, five-time champion Jeg Coughlin and Brandon Foster. The other quad will be made up of Gainesville winner Dallas Glenn, Matt Hartford, Deric Kramer and rookie Matt Latino.
Reed has rounded into form quickly in the loaded Pro Stock category and the early success, especially this season, has paid dividends.
Going rounds so early in my Pro Stock career definitely boosts my confidence, said Reed. Weve had a really good start to our year and I really believe that the first win is right around the corner. We just need to stay the course. Ive got all I need with KB Titan power and being able to rely on so many talented drivers under our KB Titan umbrella.
LAS VEGAS Drivers have many different approaches to four-wide drag racing. Theyll get plenty of chances to use those methods as the NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series races four-wide in consecutive events.
The first comes this weekend at The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, with the second set for April 25-27 at North Carolinas zMAX Dragway.
Kalitta Motorsports driver J.R. Todd talked about the differences between racing four-wide and traditional two-wide drag racing.
I dont really change my driving style (for four-wide racing); you have to pay a little more attention with three other drivers on the starting line as opposed to one, Todd explained. You just have to be focused on your lane and your light. Theres definitely a lot more going on, but at the end of the day, its still drag racing. When the yellow light comes on, you have to hit the gas on time.
Limiting mistakes is important.
Four-wide racing isnt technically any more difficult than two-wide racing, said Jim Dunn Racings Buddy Hull. The biggest thing is there are just more opportunities to make mistakes. When you have three cars in your periphery instead of one, it could throw you off your routine, even when you try to block it all out. Thats why you see more cars red-light during four-wide races. Ive made it a priority to not let that happen to me. We need every advantage possible at the starting line, especially when were representing the great people of KGC.
Many enjoy four-wide racing because it is a different challenge.
Im excited to run Vegas. We ran well there last time, made some progress, so Im confident we can do that plus better this weekend. The goal is to keep pushing and see what we can achieve, said SCAG Racing driver Dave Richards. Four-Wide races are cool for the fans. As a driver, Im OK with it. I just try to keep it simple. Race day is fun, kind of cool that you can still advance being second quickest. Its a different challenge, but were ready for it, ready for some race day lady luck.
Funny Car champion Cruz Pedregon enjoys the break from normality.
This is one of my favorite events of the year, Pedregon said of Las Vegas. I really like the four Funny Cars racing at once.
I also like it as a driver, with four cars running at once, you do all you can to be one of the top two cars to advance to the next round. If you get to that final quad, then its a matter of getting to the finish line ahead of those other three cars, and thats a win.
MECHANICSBURG, Pa. Saturated grounds, cold temperatures and the expectation for significant rain during the second half of Friday has forced Williams Grove Speedway officials to cancel the April 11 racing program.
The make-up opening night 410 sprint car feature that was to be completed on April 11 will now be run as part of the April 18 Tommy Hinnershitz Classic at the track.
Paying $5,500 to win, the race will be restarted with five laps complete and Matt Campbell at the point over Anthony Macri.
The regularly slated Tommy Classic for 410 sprints presented by the Harz family on April 18 will pay $8,088 to win, setting up the possibility of a one-night sweep by one driver worth nearly $13,600.
RALEIGH, N.C. -- The Carolina Hurricanes on Friday signed top prospect Alexander Nikishin to a two-year, entry-level contract that begins immediately.
Nikishin, 23, got his first NHL contract hours after he and his KHL club, SKA Saint Petersburg, mutually terminated that deal. SKA did the same with Montreal's Ivan Demidov earlier this week.
"We are grateful for Alexander's time with SKA, a premier European hockey franchise, which helped him develop into one of the top prospects in hockey," Hurricanes general manager Eric Tulsky said in a statement. "His size and skill have allowed him to have a record-breaking career in the KHL, and we believe he will be an impactful player in the NHL."
It was not immediately clear when Nikishin would join the Hurricanes, who are locked into second place in the Metropolitan Division and a first-round matchup against the New Jersey Devils.
Nikishin captained SKA this past season, had 46 points in 61 games and is the franchise's all-time leading scorer among defensemen.
Carolina drafted him in the third round in 2020, and Nikishin helped the Russian Olympic Committee team reach the Olympic final in Beijing in 2022. His contract is worth $832,500 per year, prorated this season, and includes a $185,000 signing bonus.
Stanley Cup playoff watch: What's at stake in Friday's games?
A week from now, the Stanley Cup playoff bracket will be set, and the first games of the postseason will take place on April 19.
Many of the teams competing in the playoffs are known, but the final seeding remains up for grabs -- as does the final order in the draft lottery. Here's what to watch in Friday's matchups:
Montreal Canadiens at Ottawa Senators
7 p.m. (ESPN+)
The Senators have punched their ticket to the postseason, but it remains to be determined if they will move into the No. 3 spot in the Atlantic (they trail the Florida Panthers by six points and four regulation wins) or stick as the first wild card. The Canadiens are well ahead of the competition for the second wild-card position, entering Friday's game six up on the Columbus Blue Jackets and New York Rangers. They can also catch the Sens, as the gap between those two clubs is three points at opening puck drop.
Detroit Red Wings at Tampa Bay Lightning
7 p.m. (ESPN+)
Detroit's playoff chances are slim, and each of its remaining games is a must-win; on the draft lottery front, the Red Wings are currently 11th. The Lightning remain in the hunt to finish first in the Atlantic Division, beginning the evening three points back of the Toronto Maple Leafs.
Pittsburgh Penguins at New Jersey Devils
7 p.m. (NHL Network)
This offseason will include a bit more roster tinkering for the Penguins, who are hoping for another playoff push during the Sidney Crosby era. They are currently slated No. 7 in the draft lottery order, two behind the Seattle Kraken and tied with the Buffalo Sabres. The Devils clinched a playoff berth this week and will take on the Carolina Hurricanes in the first round; Carolina clinched home-ice advantage with a shootout loss to the Capitals on Thursday.
San Jose Sharks at Edmonton Oilers
9:30 p.m. (ESPN+)
The Sharks have a five-point cushion over the Chicago Blackhawks atop the draft lottery order, with four games remaining; they also have the benefit of a six-regulation win gap just in case it comes down to that tiebreaker. The Oilers' magic number to clinch the final playoff spot in the Pacific Division is one, and they start the evening four points (and seven regulation wins) behind the Los Angeles Kings for the No. 2 seed.
Minnesota Wild at Calgary Flames
10 p.m. (ESPN+)
The Flames' playoff hopes are flickering, and this is a must-win game against one of the teams that they are chasing for a wild-card spot. The Wild are currently five points and five regulation wins ahead.
With the regular season ending April 17, we'll help you track it all with the NHL playoff watch. As we traverse the final stretch, we'll provide details on all the playoff races, along with the teams jockeying for position in the 2025 NHL draft lottery.
Note: Playoff chances are via Stathletes.
Jump ahead:
Current playoff matchups
Today's schedule
Yesterday's scores
Expanded standings
Race for No. 1 pick
Current playoff matchups
Eastern Conference
A1 Toronto Maple Leafs vs. WC1 Ottawa Senators
A2 Tampa Bay Lightning vs. A3 Florida Panthers
M1 Washington Capitals vs. WC2 Montreal Canadiens
M2 Carolina Hurricanes vs. M3 New Jersey Devils
Western Conference
C1 Winnipeg Jets vs. WC2 St. Louis Blues
C2 Dallas Stars vs. C3 Colorado Avalanche
P1 Vegas Golden Knights vs. WC1 Minnesota Wild
P2 Los Angeles Kings vs. P3 Edmonton Oilers
Friday's games
Note: All times ET. All games not on TNT or NHL Network are available to stream on ESPN+ (local blackout restrictions apply).
Montreal Canadiens at Ottawa Senators, 7 p.m.
Detroit Red Wings at Tampa Bay Lightning, 7 p.m.
Pittsburgh Penguins at New Jersey Devils, 7 p.m. (NHL Network)
San Jose Sharks at Edmonton Oilers, 9:30 p.m.
Minnesota Wild at Calgary Flames, 10 p.m.
Thursday's scoreboard
Chicago Blackhawks 5, Boston Bruins 2
Florida Panthers 4, Detroit Red Wings 1
Columbus Blue Jackets 3, Buffalo Sabres 2
Washington Capitals 5, Carolina Hurricanes 4 (SO)
New York Rangers 9, New York Islanders 2
Winnipeg Jets 4, Dallas Stars 0
Vancouver Canucks 4, Colorado Avalanche 1
Nashville Predators 4, Utah Hockey Club 3 (SO)
Vegas Golden Knights 2, Seattle Kraken 1
Los Angeles Kings 6, Anaheim Ducks 1
Expanded standings
Atlantic Division
x - Toronto Maple Leafs
Points: 100
Regulation wins: 39
Playoff position: A1
Games left: 4
Points pace: 105.1
Next game: vs. MTL (Saturday)
Playoff chances: 100%
Tragic number: N/A
x - Tampa Bay Lightning
Points: 97
Regulation wins: 39
Playoff position: A2
Games left: 4
Points pace: 102.0
Next game: vs. DET (Friday)
Playoff chances: 100%
Tragic number: N/A
x - Florida Panthers
Points: 96
Regulation wins: 37
Playoff position: A3
Games left: 3
Points pace: 99.7
Next game: vs. BUF (Saturday)
Playoff chances: 100%
Tragic number: N/A
x - Ottawa Senators
Points: 90
Regulation wins: 33
Playoff position: WC1
Games left: 4
Points pace: 94.6
Next game: vs. MTL (Friday)
Playoff chances: 100%
Tragic number: N/A
Montreal Canadiens
Points: 87
Regulation wins: 29
Playoff position: WC2
Games left: 4
Points pace: 91.5
Next game: @ OTT (Friday)
Playoff chances: 98.3%
Tragic number: N/A
Detroit Red Wings
Points: 79
Regulation wins: 28
Playoff position: N/A
Games left: 4
Points pace: 83.1
Next game: @ TB (Friday)
Playoff chances: 0.4%
Tragic number: 1
e - Buffalo Sabres
Points: 76
Regulation wins: 28
Playoff position: N/A
Games left: 4
Points pace: 79.9
Next game: @ FLA (Saturday)
Playoff chances: 0%
Tragic number: E
e - Boston Bruins
Points: 73
Regulation wins: 25
Playoff position: N/A
Games left: 2
Points pace: 74.8
Next game: @ PIT (Sunday)
Playoff chances: 0%
Tragic number: E
Metro Division
z - Washington Capitals
Points: 109
Regulation wins: 42
Playoff position: M1
Games left: 4
Points pace: 114.6
Next game: @ CBJ (Saturday)
Playoff chances: 100%
Tragic number: N/A
x - Carolina Hurricanes
Points: 97
Regulation wins: 41
Playoff position: M2
Games left: 4
Points pace: 102.0
Next game: vs. NYR (Saturday)
Playoff chances: 100%
Tragic number: N/A
x - New Jersey Devils
Points: 89
Regulation wins: 36
Playoff position: M3
Games left: 4
Points pace: 93.6
Next game: vs. PIT (Friday)
Playoff chances: 100%
Tragic number: N/A
Columbus Blue Jackets
Points: 81
Regulation wins: 26
Playoff position: N/A
Games left: 4
Points pace: 85.2
Next game: vs. WSH (Saturday)
Playoff chances: 0.4%
Tragic number: 3
New York Rangers
Points: 81
Regulation wins: 33
Playoff position: N/A
Games left: 3
Points pace: 84.1
Next game: @ CAR (Saturday)
Playoff chances: 0.1%
Tragic number: 1
New York Islanders
Points: 79
Regulation wins: 27
Playoff position: N/A
Games left: 4
Points pace: 83.1
Next game: @ PHI (Saturday)
Playoff chances: 0.9%
Tragic number: 1
e - Pittsburgh Penguins
Points: 76
Regulation wins: 22
Playoff position: N/A
Games left: 3
Points pace: 78.9
Next game: @ NJ (Friday)
Playoff chances: 0%
Tragic number: E
e - Philadelphia Flyers
Points: 73
Regulation wins: 21
Playoff position: N/A
Games left: 4
Points pace: 76.7
Next game: vs. NYI (Saturday)
Playoff chances: 0%
Tragic number: E
Central Division
x - Winnipeg Jets
Points: 112
Regulation wins: 43
Playoff position: C1
Games left: 3
Points pace: 116.3
Next game: @ CHI (Saturday)
Playoff chances: 100%
Tragic number: N/A
x - Dallas Stars
Points: 106
Regulation wins: 41
Playoff position: C2
Games left: 3
Points pace: 110.0
Next game: vs. UTA (Saturday)
Playoff chances: 100%
Tragic number: N/A
x - Colorado Avalanche
Points: 100
Regulation wins: 39
Playoff position: C3
Games left: 2
Points pace: 102.5
Next game: @ LA (Saturday)
Playoff chances: 100%
Tragic number: N/A
Minnesota Wild
Points: 93
Regulation wins: 33
Playoff position: WC1
Games left: 3
Points pace: 96.5
Next game: @ CGY (Friday)
Playoff chances: 97.9%
Tragic number: N/A
St. Louis Blues
Points: 93
Regulation wins: 31
Playoff position: WC2
Games left: 2
Points pace: 95.3
Next game: @ SEA (Saturday)
Playoff chances: 94.7%
Tragic number: N/A
e - Utah Hockey Club
Points: 85
Regulation wins: 28
Playoff position: N/A
Games left: 3
Points pace: 88.2
Next game: @ DAL (Saturday)
Playoff chances: 0%
Tragic number: E
e - Nashville Predators
Points: 66
Regulation wins: 23
Playoff position: N/A
Games left: 3
Points pace: 68.5
Next game: @ VGK (Saturday)
Playoff chances: 0%
Tragic number: E
e - Chicago Blackhawks
Points: 56
Regulation wins: 20
Playoff position: N/A
Games left: 3
Points pace: 58.1
Next game: vs. WPG (Saturday)
Playoff chances: 0%
Tragic number: E
Pacific Division
x - Vegas Golden Knights
Points: 105
Regulation wins: 44
Playoff position: P1
Games left: 3
Points pace: 109.0
Next game: vs. NSH (Saturday)
Playoff chances: 100%
Tragic number: N/A
x - Los Angeles Kings
Points: 99
Regulation wins: 40
Playoff position: P3
Games left: 4
Points pace: 104.1
Next game: vs. COL (Saturday)
Playoff chances: 100%
Tragic number: N/A
Edmonton Oilers
Points: 95
Regulation wins: 33
Playoff position: P2
Games left: 4
Points pace: 99.9
Next game: vs. SJ (Friday)
Playoff chances: 99.9%
Tragic number: N/A
Calgary Flames
Points: 88
Regulation wins: 28
Playoff position: N/A
Games left: 4
Points pace: 92.5
Next game: vs. MIN (Friday)
Playoff chances: 7.5%
Tragic number: 3
e - Vancouver Canucks
Points: 87
Regulation wins: 28
Playoff position: N/A
Games left: 3
Points pace: 90.3
Next game: vs. MIN (Saturday)
Playoff chances: 0%
Tragic number: E
e - Anaheim Ducks
Points: 78
Regulation wins: 24
Playoff position: N/A
Games left: 3
Points pace: 81.0
Next game: vs. COL (Sunday)
Playoff chances: 0%
Tragic number: E
e - Seattle Kraken
Points: 74
Regulation wins: 28
Playoff position: N/A
Games left: 2
Points pace: 75.9
Next game: vs. STL (Saturday)
Playoff chances: 0%
Tragic number: E
e - San Jose Sharks
Points: 51
Regulation wins: 14
Playoff position: N/A
Games left: 4
Points pace: 53.6
Next game: @ EDM (Friday)
Playoff chances: 0%
Tragic number: E
Note: A "z" means that the team has clinched the top record in the conference. A "y" means that the team has clinched the division title. An "x" means that the team has clinched a playoff berth. An "e" means that the team has been eliminated from playoff contention.
Race for the No. 1 pick
The NHL uses a draft lottery to determine the order of the first round, so the team that finishes in last place is not guaranteed the No. 1 selection. As of 2021, a team can move up a maximum of 10 spots if it wins the lottery, so only 11 teams are eligible for the No. 1 pick. Full details on the process are here. Matthew Schaefer, a defenseman for the OHL's Erie Otters, is No. 1 on the draft board.
1. San Jose Sharks
Points: 51
Regulation wins: 14
2. Chicago Blackhawks
Points: 56
Regulation wins: 20
3. Nashville Predators
Points: 66
Regulation wins: 23
4. Boston Bruins
Points: 73
Regulation wins: 25
5. Philadelphia Flyers
Points: 73
Regulation wins: 21
6. Seattle Kraken
Points: 74
Regulation wins: 28
7. Pittsburgh Penguins
Points: 76
Regulation wins: 22
8. Buffalo Sabres
Points: 76
Regulation wins: 28
9. Anaheim Ducks
Points: 78
Regulation wins: 24
10. New York Islanders
Points: 79
Regulation wins: 27
11. Detroit Red Wings
Points: 79
Regulation wins: 28
12. New York Rangers
Points: 81
Regulation wins: 33
13. Columbus Blue Jackets
Points: 81
Regulation wins: 26
14. Utah Hockey Club
Points: 85
Regulation wins: 28
15. Vancouver Canucks
Points: 87
Regulation wins: 28
16. Calgary Flames
Points: 88
Regulation wins: 28
The numbers behind Lane Hutson's breakout rookie campaign
Every year at the NHL draft, we hear the same trope about players who are under six feet tall:
Will their game translate to the NHL level?
Will they be too small to play against big forecheckers and win net-front battles?
Are they special enough to make their size moot?
We heard those refrains about Alex DeBrincat, Cole Caufield, Brad Marchand, Brayden Point, Jared Spurgeon, Adam Fox, Torey Krug, and the late Johnny Gaudreau. Each of those players went on to be impactful NHL players because their skill outshone their size.
In 2022, we heard similar things about Lane Hutson. After sitting in NHL scouting meetings during the 2021-2022 season, I can tell you that Hutson was the subject of much debate. He was far and away the most skilled defenseman in the draft, but many scouts questioned whether he would be able to accomplish his feats at the NHL level, with a few scouts placing bets against him. One scout said, "if he was 6-2, he'd be a top-5 pick."
That scout will remain unnamed, but suffice to say, Hutson would be a top-5 pick, without question, if there was a redraft three years later.
Here's how the Canadiens rookie sensation proved all the doubters wrong, and what Montreal has in him for the future.
JUST HOW SKILLED is Lane Hutson? He leads all rookies in scoring, and his 58 assists are the most for any rookie since Mathew Barzal, a forward, recorded 63 in 2017-2018. Hutson is the offensive catalyst for Montreal, ranking third among NHL defensemen with 5.45 shot assists per game.
This should not be a total shock. In the season prior to being drafted, playing for the U.S. National Team Development Program, he led draft prospects in many offensive categories tracked by Stathletes, including many transition categories.
Flash forward to 2024-25, and Hutson ranks second in the NHL for end-to-end rushes by a defenseman, behind past Norris Trophy winner Quinn Hughes and ahead of current favorite Cale Makar. He sparks Montreal's transition offense with his ability to transport the puck, ranking in the top 10 in the NHL in carried zone exits and zone entries -- a direct translation from his tracked statistics throughout his draft year.
It is reasonable to assert that if a defenseman's skating ability is as special as Hutson's, and his transition numbers are elite in his draft year, it will translate to the NHL level. His skating is nothing short of extraordinary, and puts him in the same category as Hughes and Makar, by far the best skating defensemen in the sport.
According to Stathletes, based on passing alone, Hutson ranks third in expected goals created among defensemen, with 17.29 this season. He is ranked fourth in passes completed to the slot, the most dangerous area of the ice, and eighth in cross-ice passes completed. It is likely that Hutson would rank even higher had Montreal's coaching staff given him the reins to the top power-play unit earlier in the season.
Not only is Hutson a tremendous facilitator of the puck -- and will be one of the best offensive catalysts from the blue line for years to come -- but he also creates for himself. Hutson ranks third among all defensemen in scoring chances per game with 1.24, per Stathletes. He's able to create chances with excellent edgework and patience. He is fourth among blueliners in offensive zone possession time per game, and third in possession time per game. The others in the top 5 are Hughes, Makar, Zach Werenski and Rasmus Dahlin, which is elite company.
Montreal's rise in the standings to a playoff position is directly linked to Hutson's improved defensive play. Prior to the 4 Nations Face-Off, Hutson was minus-15. He is plus-14 since, and it is no coincidence that his improved defensive impact has coincided with the Canadiens' rise in the standings. While plus-minus is most definitely not the be-all, end-all analysis of a player's defensive value, it is one indicator.
There were numerous situations in the first half of his rookie season where defensive lapses were costly, and there are legitimate concerns about Hutson's ability to defend at the NHL level. To combat this, Hutson has leveraged his skating ability in defensive transition, which has led to less time spent in the defensive zone and fewer scoring chances given up.
Lane Hutson scores on the power play for Montreal Canadiens
DEFENSEMEN HAVE A longer, more arduous development path, and are more prone to costly errors as they adjust to the NHL level. This is especially true for players that play significant roles -- Hutson is averaging nearly 23 minutes per game -- and possess the puck as frequently as Hutson does. Players who have the puck more will make more mistakes.
Defensemen with the most turnovers in the NHL include the likes of Erik Karlsson, Evan Bouchard, Zach Werenski and Thomas Harley. It's not because they are irresponsible with the puck, but because they have the puck more often, which increases the opportunity for turnovers. Turnovers per puck possession time or some function of that would be a better evaluator of how responsible a player is with the puck than just the total.
Hutson has turned the puck over his fair share of times, but his offensive prowess and ability to create scoring chances heavily outweigh the turnovers. Outside of his improved transition defense, Hutson has improved in the defensive zone. He takes more efficient paths allowing him to contain bigger offensive players, uses his outstanding edgework to keep players in outside positions. He has also simplified his puck play to reduce turnovers on breakouts.
The combination of those improvements has led to decreased defensive zone time and scoring chances against. Hutson has been winning the scoring chance battle since February, and as he continues to develop, that will be a key statistic to monitor. While Hutson is one of the NHL's best defensemen at scoring-chance creation and offensive play, the real development will come if he consistently tilts the ice in Montreal's favor over the balance of all scoring chances that occur while he's on the ice.
The season Hutson is having is nothing short of remarkable, and is historic. He ranks second in assists by all NHL defensemen, and is fourth in points. Hutson has been involved in 27% of Montreal's goals this season, a number that would be excellent for any defenseman, let alone a rookie. Dustin Wolf and Macklin Celebrini had high-quality rookie campaigns, but Hutson has separated himself as the league's best first-year player.
Sophomore slumps are expected, particularly for defencemen, but Hutson was an exception to the "size" rule, and it should not surprise anyone if he is an exception to the "sophomore slump" rule, either.
Hutson is a top offensive defenseman in the NHL, and teams will start to scheme against him, as they do Makar, Hughes and Fox. If Hutson can continue to win the scoring-chance battle despite that, there is a real chance Montreal has one of NHL's top-5 defensemen for years to come.
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