Saturday, 9 Jul 2022. 07:00
MONTREAL – If all the teams really gave themselves the mandate to select the best player available, Lane Hutson would probably no longer have been within reach of the Canadiens when it came time to proceed to the 62e draft pick on Friday.
Hutson was one of the most electrifying defensemen of the 2022 class. He was the quarterback of the American development program, with which he amassed 63 points in 60 games. He also averaged over a point per game at the World Under-18 Championship.
He is said to be creative, intelligent, quick. “If he were just a little closer to 5-foot-11 and 30 pounds heavier, we might call him the best defenseman in the draft,” concluded the independent firm Hockey Prospects in its year-end guide.
But you guessed it, Hutson’s chances of ever excelling in the National League are hampered by his small frame. The Chicago native is listed at 5-foot-8 and 158 pounds. This is why despite all his talent, many doubt his chances of making his niche one day at the highest level.
“I know I can get bigger, stronger and even bigger, argued the young American, used to this refrain, following his selection. It’s something that will come with age. But whether that’s the case or not, I believe that I will be able to make my place by playing my way. Anyway, on the ice, everyone is the same size. »
Hutson says he draws inspiration from Torey Krug, who has done a lot in his career to improve the image of short defenders. Standing 5-foot-9, the veteran was a solid quarterback for the Boston Bruins and St. Louis Blues. Adam Fox of the New York Rangers is another that the new CH project likes to compare itself to.
“One of the keys to my game is my ability to see the next play before the opponent is in position to counter it. When I carry the puck, I see several options. And when my first option is no longer valid, I move on to the next. It’s important to think fast and keep the other team on your toes. It’s my mentality. »
Hutson describes himself as a passer first and would like to develop shooting reflexes in order to become more unpredictable in the eyes of opposing teams. He will continue his apprenticeship at Boston University, where another Canadian hopeful, forward Luke Tuch, is already evolving.
L’Intrigue Vinzenz Rohrer
Vinzenz Rohrer probably has the most intriguing personality of all the prospects who paraded on the Canadiens’ podium on Friday. Martin Lapointe was not lying when he compared his charisma and his power of attraction to those, already well documented, of Juraj Slafkovsky.
The 17-year-old Austrian said he developed a bond with the leaders of the Canadian when they challenged him to table tennis following their meeting at the week of evaluation of hopes in Buffalo.
“I’ve won five games and haven’t lost any. That’s probably what convinced them! Now I know why I’m here, “laughed the friendly teenager during his appearance in front of the media.
Rohrer’s dominance with a racquet in hand should have surprised no one. His father, Stefan Lochbihler, played on the ATP Tour in the 1980s, at one point reaching 141e world ranking rank.
Rohrer says he himself played competitively for eleven years. He quit to invest all his energy in hockey, preferring the idea of devoting himself to a team sport rather than a potential solo career. But he believes that his strength of character today is influenced by his past on the courts.
“In hockey, if you have a bad game, maybe no one except a scout will notice. In tennis, it’s impossible to hide behind others. If you’re not having a good day or are having a hard time mentally, that’s obvious to everyone. It gave me a toughness of mind that helps me in all facets of my life. »
Rohrer’s career is interesting from another point of view. His neighbor and childhood best friend in Feldkirch is Marco Rossi, a 2020 Minnesota Wild first-round pick. he as proof.
Rossi crushed the Ontario Junior League by scoring 120 points with the Ottawa 67’s before turning pro. When it came time to choose his own path, Rohrer figured the same formula might work for him. He too took the direction of the Canadian capital. He had 48 points, including 25 goals, across the Ottawa River last season.
“You might say it’s worked pretty well for Ottawa to get them ready for the next level. When I was a little younger, I saw that and while wanting to make my own way, I said to myself that if it had been good for him, it might also be good for me. I believe that the future proved me right. »