In a development that few in the hockey world saw coming, Montreal Canadiens head coach Martin St. Louis stunned fans and media alike by announcing that young defenseman Lane Hutson has been named the team’s new alternate captain.
The announcement, made during a press conference at the Bell Centre, has sparked a wave of emotional reactions throughout Montreal and the broader NHL community, marking a bold shift in the Canadiens’ leadership dynamic.
Taking the podium on a crisp Monday morning, St. Louis, himself a former NHL captain and Hall of Famer, spoke with clear emotion about the decision. Leadership isn’t about age or experience,” St. Louis said. “It’s about impact, character, and the way you carry yourself day in and day out. Lane Huston embodies those qualities. He has earned the respect of our locker room, and today we officially recognize that.
Lane Hutson, only 21 years old and entering just his second full NHL season, stood beside St. Louis, visibly moved as he donned his jersey bearing the new “A” stitched proudly on the front.
> “I’m honored and honestly still a little shocked,” Hutson said with a smile. “I grew up dreaming about just playing in the NHL. To be named an alternate captain for the Montreal Canadiens… it’s beyond anything I ever imagined.”
News of Hutson’s appointment sent Canadiens fans into a frenzy. On social media, hashtags like #AlternateCaptainHutson, #GoHabsGo, and #FutureOfTheHabs quickly trended across Quebec and Canada.
Many fans expressed initial surprise that such a young player had been given such a significant leadership role, but support poured in almost immediately once fans reflected on what Hutson has meant to the team.
> “At first, I was stunned — a 21-year-old as an alternate captain?” tweeted fan Andre Beaumont. “But then I thought about it. Hutson has been mature beyond his years since the day he arrived. This is a great move.
Another longtime supporter, Marie-Claude Roy, shared a video of her and her young son celebrating Hutson’s appointment, both wearing his jersey.
> “This kid plays with the heart of a lion,” she said. “He’s our future. And now, he’s one of our leaders.
Former Canadiens captain Shea Weber also offered his endorsement, writing in a rare public post:
> “Leadership is earned, not given. Lane’s earned it. Proud of the young man.”
For those unfamiliar, Lane Hutson’s rapid rise has been one of the NHL’s most exciting stories.
Drafted by the Canadiens in the second round (62nd overall) of the 2022 NHL Draft, Hutson immediately turned heads with his dazzling offensive skill set and surprising defensive acumen, especially considering his undersized frame (5’10”).
He spent two dominant seasons at Boston University, where he was a Hobey Baker finalist, before joining Montreal late in the 2023-24 season and making an instant impact.
In his first full NHL campaign, Hutson registered 12 goals and 38 assists, making him one of the most productive rookie defensemen in Canadiens history. His poise with the puck, creativity under pressure, and relentless energy quickly endeared him to fans and teammates alike.
> “He plays like a 10-year veteran already,” said Canadiens center Nick Suzuki. “And off the ice, he carries himself with such professionalism. The kid’s special.”
WHY ST. LOUIS MADE THE MOVE
Martin St. Louis emphasized that Hutson’s appointment wasn’t about a public relations stunt or “looking to the future” alone — it was about recognizing the present.
> “Lane shows up every single day ready to get better,” St. Louis said. “He pushes his teammates to be better. He’s not loud, but when he speaks, people listen. His work ethic, attitude, and love for the game make him the perfect fit for a leadership role now.”
In fact, St. Louis revealed that the decision had strong support from within the Canadiens’ dressing room. Team captains and veterans had advocated for Hutson to take on greater responsibilities, praising his influence on the group even in his short time with the team.
> “It wasn’t just my decision,” St. Louis added. “The room believes in Lane.”
THE CHANGING FACE OF THE CANADIENS
The appointment of Hutson signals an important shift for the Canadiens.
Montreal is in the midst of a rebuild-turned-relaunch, moving away from the remnants of their 2021 Stanley Cup Final run and into a new era defined by youth, speed, and skill.
With players like Nick Suzuki, Cole Caufield, Juraj Slafkovský, and now Hutson leading the charge, the Canadiens are betting on their young core to restore the team to its former glory.
> “You look around, and you realize — we’re not the future anymore,” Hutson said. “We’re the present. It’s time to embrace that.”
Analysts praised the move as bold but smart.
> “This is how you build a new culture,” said former NHL coach Bruce Boudreau during an NHL Network segment. “You empower your young stars. You let them take ownership of the team early. Montreal is setting themselves up for long-term success.”
HUTSON’S MESSAGE TO THE FANS
Following the formal announcement, Hutson addressed Canadiens fans directly in a heartfelt social media post:
> “To everyone who has believed in me — thank you. To everyone who doubted me — thank you too. Both made me stronger. I promise to give everything I have for this team and this city every time I step on the ice. Let’s go get it, Montreal.”
The post, accompanied by a photo of Hutson wearing the new “A,” quickly racked up over a million views and thousands of supportive comments.
LOOKING AHEAD
As the Canadiens prepare for training camp and the 2025-26 NHL season, expectations are rising.
After finishing just outside the playoff picture last season, the team believes that with their young core maturing and new leaders like Hutson stepping forward, a return to the postseason — and eventually championship contention — is within reach.
And for Lane Hutson, the road ahead is clear: continue growing, continue leading, and continue inspiring a fan base hungry for greatness
