Montreal Canadiens defenseman Lane Hutson had a historic rookie season, winning the Calder Trophy with 60 assists, tying Larry Murphy for the most by a rookie defender, and ranking fifth in total points among rookie defensemen. As he faces the challenge of maintaining his performance amid evolving NHL defenses, his sophomore season will be crucial for his future, especially with a contract renewal approaching.
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The Pittsburgh Penguins, initially seen as sellers, made strategic moves in the offseason to strengthen their defense, led by GM Kyle Dubas and new head coach Dan Muse, though uncertainty remains about team improvement. Key players include Erik Karlsson, whose potential trade could impact defensive pairings, and newcomers Connor Clifton and Matt Dumba, while Ryan Graves struggles to meet expectations on the left side. Want More Context? 🔎
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