Lane Hutson of the Montreal Canadiens has been awarded the Calder Trophy as the NHL's top rookie, receiving an impressive 165 out of 191 first-place votes.

At just 21 years old, Hutson showcased his talent by tying for the sixth-most points among defensemen this season and matching Quinn Hughes for the second-most assists, only behind Cale Makar.

The award ceremony was a significant occasion for Hutson, attended by over 50 family and friends, emphasizing the personal importance of this achievement.

With one season left on his contract at $950,000, Hutson is projected to become a restricted free agent by the end of 2026, potentially earning a lucrative eight-year deal exceeding $80 million.

The Canadiens are likely to seek a long-term contract with Hutson, although negotiations may be complicated due to his recent success and high salary expectations.

The 2025 NHL Awards, where Hutson and other winners will be celebrated, is set to take place on June 12, 2025, prior to Game 4 of the Stanley Cup Final.

Despite being undersized at 5'9", Hutson's exceptional skating, puck handling, and hockey sense have significantly contributed to his success this season.

His performance has established him as a key player for the Canadiens, effectively quarterbacking both their defense and offense, indicating that the team is being built around him.

In other NHL news, Spencer Carbery of the Washington Capitals received the Jack Adams Award for coaching excellence, reflecting his impressive 91-53-20 record over two seasons.

Looking ahead, the summer is expected to be active in the NHL, with high-profile players potentially entering free agency and trade rumors swirling, particularly concerning the Vegas Golden Knights.

Other notable Calder Trophy candidates this season included Cutter Gauthier and Will Smith, who finished fifth and sixth in the voting, showcasing the depth of talent among rookies.

The Canadiens have a rich history of developing talent, with eight players previously finishing as runners-up for the Calder Trophy, the most recent being Brendan Gallagher in the 2012-13 season.