By Paige Albright
Boston University News Service
The revered Calder Memorial Trophy, the NHL’s rookie of the year honor, was awarded to Montreal Canadiens defenseman and former Boston University player Lane Hutson on Tuesday. Hutson won by a dominant margin, ranking first on 86 percent of the ballots.
The Calder Memorial Trophy is voted on by the Professional Hockey Writers Association, which has independently voted for six major NHL awards since 1967. Hutson was the first choice on 165 of the 191 ballots and a unanimous top two pick after voting concluded. Hutson is only the second Terrier to win this award, and fellow BU alum Macklin Celebrini of the San Jose Sharks accompanied him in the finalist pool.
Hutson played in all 82 games for the Canadiens during his rookie season and helped the team secure a return to the playoffs in 2025. Hutson’s individual achievements also propelled him to the top of the voting ballots, matching the 45-year-old record for most assists in a rookie season set by Larry Murphy. Hutson’s 60 assists coupled with his 66 points scored for the Canadiens proved his effectiveness on the ice, and he led all NHL rookies in time on ice, racking up nearly 500 more minutes than any other player.
Hutson’s achievements span beyond the professional level; while at BU, Hutson earned the title of First Team All-American twice and was a two-time Hockey East First Team All-Star, New England Division I All-Star and top 10 Hobey Baker Award finalist. In 2023, Hutson won the Walter Brown Award for the top American-born hockey player in New England and was also chosen as Hockey East and New England Rookie of the Year.
