Habs' Reinbacher says Hutson is 'probably the next Cale Makar'
It's safe to say David Reinbacher was impressed by fellow defensive prospect Lane Hutson after the pair skated together at the Montreal Canadiens' development camp.
"You get the puck, skate it out a little bit, then you give it to him and just start watching," Reinbacher told The Canadian Press. "He's probably the next Cale Makar."
Reinbacher was the fifth overall pick at last week's draft, joining Hutson near the top of Montreal's prospect pool. Hutson was a second-round pick in 2022, and he's coming off an impressive season in which he posted 48 points in 39 games with Boston University. He also represented the United States at the world juniors and World Championship.
The 19-year-old is set for another campaign with the Terriers in 2023-24. Makar played two seasons at UMass before joining the Colorado Avalanche for the 2019 playoffs. He's since won a Calder Trophy, Norris Trophy, Stanley Cup, and Conn Smythe while racking up 246 points in 238 career regular season contests.
Although he may have pinned some huge expectations on Hutson, Reinbacher is hopeful they can patrol the Canadiens' blue line together in the future.
"He's so good on the skates - he can do some crazy stuff on the ice," Reinbacher said. "I would love to play with him one day, make a pairing with him.
"He and me and all the other guys, I guess we have a long journey, a lot of work to do (before) we can play one day for Montreal."
Reinbacher signed a three-year, entry-level contract with the Canadiens on Wednesday.