Highly anticipated rookie Lane Hutson made his NHL debut with the Montreal Canadiens last night in a 5-4 overtime loss to the Detroit Red Wings. The 20-year-old defenceman did not look out of place, getting just under 22 minutes of ice time, and his first NHL point with an assist on a goal by Brendan Gallagher. Hutson also comes away with a large fine to pay to the league.
Just before the game began, the Montreal Canadiens X account posted video of Hutson coming out to the ice first, while the rest of the team was behind. As is the custom, he took his "rookie lap," going out onto the ice by himself. Hutson did not wear his helmet.
Not wearing a helmet in warmups is a $2,500 fine from the league. The rule is meant to protect the safety of players at all time, and I'm sure there are insurance policies to take into consideration as well. Some rookie players wear their helmet for their debut, others don't. There is speculation online that team veterans and/or teammates come together to cover the fine. It seems Hutson had a blast, whether he's covering the bill himself or not. He also pledged not to do it again.
Hutson gets right back at it tonight with another game against the Detroit Red Wings. It is the last game of the 2023-24 regular season for both teams. The game has little meaning for the Montreal Canadiens, although it's always great to win. For Detroit, it has massive implications. The Red Wings have to win to have a chance of making the post season. Even with the win, going to the playoffs for Detroit would depend on a Washington Capitals loss to the Philadelphia Flyers.
