December was a good month for Lane Hutson.
The Montreal Canadiens defenceman was named rookie of the month after a 13-point December (two goals, 11 assists), the NHL announced on Wednesday.
He got the nod over San Jose Sharks centre Macklin Celebrini — who was tied with Hutson for the rookie lead with 13 points in the month as well — Philadelphia Flyers winger Matvei Michkov (10 points) and Calgary Flames goaltender Dustin Wolf (4-1-1).
The 20-year-old led all rookies in assists (11), power play points (7) and average ice time (21:18) through the month of December. Hutsons 14 points in 14 games are the second most by a Canadiens rookie in a calendar month, behind only Chris Chelios’ 15-point February in 1985.
Hutson, Montreal’s second-round selection in 2022, produced two separate five-game point streaks in December, the former was part of a seven-game streak that set the longest such mark by a rookie defenceman in franchise history.
The Holland, Mich. native is third amongst rookies in total points with 26 (two goals, 24 assists), behind just Michkov and Celebrini.
Hutson is the first Canadiens player to receive the honour since Cole Caufield in March 2022.
