Lane Hutson and Patrik Laine Set for Preseason Debut with Canadiens Against Flyers

Lane Hutson and Patrik Laine are set to make their debut with the Montreal Canadiens this Monday evening as the team begins its preseason schedule against the Philadelphia Flyers. This marks an important moment for both players as they enter different stages of their careers with the Canadiens.

For younger players like Hutson, this match will not determine their long-term prospects with the team. Just 20 years old, Hutson is transitioning from collegiate-level play. In contrast, Laine is a seasoned NHL player, having competed in 480 games, though his timetable for full integration with the team is still in question.

Head coach Martin St-Louis highlighted that the organization is gathering “information” about Laine to manage his workload effectively. Laine has not played a game in nine months, owing to injuries and his participation in the NHL’s player assistance program, from which he only officially emerged in July.

“We want to use the training camp to help him catch up with our collective gameplay and individually as well,” St-Louis stated. “He needs these repetitions, and we will manage his workload in games as well as in the gym.”

When asked whether the goal is to have Laine fully functional by the start of the regular season on October 9, St-Louis remarked that while it would be ideal, it is not a top priority. The match against the Flyers is an opportunity for Laine to continue acclimating with teammates Kirby Dach and Alex Newhook, who comprised a line from the start of camp. Dach, who also seeks to regain his form after not playing for almost a year, emphasized the importance of patience in developing team chemistry.

“We all know what our unit can bring, but building chemistry takes time,” Dach advised. Meanwhile, the game provides Hutson a chance to showcase his skills in a competitive setting. He is set to play alongside veteran David Savard, with whom he has been paired during recent practices.

Savard, enthusiastic about Hutson’s potential, praised his skill and playmaking ability. “He has exceptional talent. You can see how well he handles the puck and plays. It’s exciting to see him on the team,” Savard commented. Hutson, appreciative of Savard’s mentorship, described him as “everything you want in a professional player.”

The evening match will also feature forward Oliver Kapanen, who missed the rookie camp, and defenseman Adam Engström, who is slated to play his first preparatory game. The game is scheduled to begin at 7 p.m., although noted prospect Matvei Michkov will not be playing for the Flyers.