[Sandman]

Draft Thoughts (Smurf Edition):

When discussing LHD Cole Hutson, it's natural to want to compare him to his older brother Lane, a second-round pick of the Montreal Canadiens in 2022, so I'll just say this: Cole plays a similar style to his brother, but is bigger than Lane was in his Draft year (5'10" to 5'9"), and he's faster, more dynamic, more aggressive, better defensively, more physical and aggressive, and has a higher ceiling. In 2022-23, Cole set a record for points by a defenseman in one season in the NTDP, with 68- and he has 37 in 41 games this season. In the most recent 5 Nations Tournament, Cole was the highest-scoring D in the tournament, with 8 points in 4 games. He is a younger player, with a June 28th birthday.

Obviously, Hutson is an uber-aggressive offensive defenseman, with an attack mentality. He's a high-end puck-mover who can create offense off the rush like few can. He is highly skilled, smart, and exhibits exceptional vision, and elite creativity. He models his game after Adam Fox, and is the ideal PP quarterback. Playmaking is the main pillar of his game, and he can complete passes that many can't- over and under sticks, through traffic, and from both sides of his stick blade, and uses every bit of deception imaginable to open seams, make room, fool defenders, and stay unpredictable. Hutson is an elite manipulator, maybe the best in this draft, and it helps him get out of trouble, and break coverage in all zones. In the offensive zone, he runs the point and walks the line with poise and confidence, opening and exploiting seams, dodging defenders, and punching it on net to facilitate rebounds and tips for his teammates. When shooting from distance, it is his lethal release and accuracy that brings him scoring success, as his shot is a bit on the weak side- but he has good hands in tight, and is never afraid to pinch into the play, with or without the puck to create opportunities for himself or teammates, or to make himself available for a pass. Skating-wise, he has outstanding speed in every direction, his movements are smooth and fluid, and he has supreme shiftiness to throw off checkers. His straight-ahead speed can put defenders on their heels, and he can skate backwards almost as fast as he can going forward. Hutson is incredibly light on his feet, with the edges to turn or change direction on a dime.

Hutson is a top puck-mover, and turns defense into offense through the transition, either by skating the puck out with his quick feet and smooth handling, or with his expert first-pass. He's a valuable facilitator of clean entries with control for himself, or teammates. If he sees a streaking teammate, he can hook up with them using difficult, but well-timed stretch passes to pressure opponents. In retrievals, he scans with his head up for an outlet, with poise under pressure. Despite his rather diminutive stature, he isn't the least bit afraid to engage physically, or to throw his weight around. He plays bigger than his size, or at least tries to, and his low center of gravity makes him hard to knock off the puck, and makes his hits more effective. He tries to be disruptive, and hard to play against, and will not back down in puck contests. He's got good motor, and a high compete level, but will still lose battles due to his lack of size and strength.

Like his brother, Cole's defensive game needs plenty of work. He has to rely on his smarts, anticipation, and an active stick to defend, as he comes up short in most physical battles. His awareness in the defensive zone has come into question, and his decision-making is deficient- he can make bad passes that turn into dangerous turnovers, and can be pressured into coughing up the puck. With his skating, you would think gap-control would come easy, but he still gives attackers too much room to operate. In the offensive zone, he needs to learn to manage his game when pinching into the play, as he can do so at inopportune times, leaving him out of position, and behind the play coming back. Is he a bottom-pairing PP specialist, or can he take a regular role on a second pairing, like Samuel Girard in Colorado? Like most D of his stature, there is also a boom-bust factor, but most scouts will look to his brother at Boston U, who's overall game is progressing nicely, and will see the merits in taking a chance on Cole- who will be playing with his brother on the Terriers next season. I would say mid-second round.