NHL Players Believe Habs' Hutson Could Thrive as Forward

Small-framed defenseman ranked 4th among players who could excel on offense

Apr. 18, 2026 at 2:53am

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A fragmented, geometric painting depicting a hockey player in motion, with their body and equipment broken down into sharp, overlapping planes of blue, red, and white, capturing the dynamic and multifaceted nature of their play.A cubist interpretation of a skilled defenseman's ability to transition seamlessly to a forward role, showcasing the versatility and creativity of modern hockey players.Houston Today

In the annual NHLPA player survey, Montreal Canadiens defenseman Lane Hutson was voted the 4th most popular choice among players who believe he could handle himself well as a forward, despite his small stature. This reflects a shift in perceptions around smaller players succeeding in the NHL, with the likes of Alex DeBrincat and Cole Caufield paving the way. While Hutson is primarily a defenseman, some of his peers feel his strong hockey IQ and skills could translate to the forward position if needed.

Why it matters

Hutson's potential to play forward is noteworthy, as the Canadiens have historically been cautious about moving defensemen to forward due to concerns over size and physicality. However, the success of smaller skilled forwards in recent years has challenged these traditional notions, opening the door for creative lineup options that could maximize Hutson's offensive talents.

The details

In the NHLPA's annual player survey, Hutson was ranked 4th among defensemen who players believe could excel as forwards, behind stars like Cale Makar, Erik Karlsson, and Quinn Hughes. While Hutson is known for his puck-handling and offensive instincts from the blue line, some of his peers feel his hockey IQ and skill set could translate well to a forward role, even though he lacks ideal size and strength.

  • The NHLPA released the results of its annual player survey on April 17, 2026.

The players

Lane Hutson

A defenseman for the Montreal Canadiens who is known for his strong puck-handling and offensive abilities, despite his smaller stature.

Cale Makar

An alternate captain for the Colorado Avalanche who is considered one of the top offensive defensemen in the NHL.

Erik Karlsson

A veteran defenseman who is renowned for his skill and playmaking ability, which some players believe could translate well to a forward position.

Quinn Hughes

A talented young defenseman for the Vancouver Canucks who is also seen as having the potential to excel as a forward due to his offensive instincts.

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What’s next

It remains to be seen if the Canadiens will experiment with using Hutson as a forward, but his strong offensive skills and hockey IQ could make him an intriguing option if the team needs to get creative with its lineup.

The takeaway

Hutson's potential to play forward reflects a broader shift in the NHL, where smaller, skilled players are increasingly finding success at the highest level. This could open up new possibilities for how teams deploy their defensemen, especially those with strong offensive instincts like Hutson.