CONFIRMED: Cole Hutson Makes History, Becomes First Canadiens Player to Win Calder Trophy, Surpassing Rocket Richard’s Rookie Legacy
In a stunning and historic development for one of hockey’s most storied franchises, Cole Hutson has officially been awarded the Calder Memorial Trophy, given to the NHL’s most outstanding rookie. With this achievement, Hutson becomes the first-ever Montreal Canadiens player to win the prestigious award—an honor that even the legendary Maurice “Rocket” Richard never captured.
A Record Nearly a Century in the Making
The Montreal Canadiens, founded in 1909, have been home to countless legends: Jean Béliveau, Guy Lafleur, Ken Dryden, and Patrick Roy. Yet, until now, none had claimed the Calder Trophy, a surprising gap in the team’s otherwise unparalleled legacy of NHL excellence. Maurice Richard, perhaps the most iconic Hab of all time, had a strong rookie season in 1943–44, but injuries and different voting standards of the time kept the honor out of reach.
That all changed this season with the emergence of 19-year-old Cole Hutson, whose dazzling play, poise, and maturity captured the hockey world’s attention.
Hutson, a dynamic and skilled defenseman, delivered a rookie campaign for the ages:
64 points (12 goals, 52 assists) in 82 games
+22 plus-minus rating
Quarterbacked the Canadiens’ top power play unit
Logged an average of 22 minutes of ice time per game
His offensive creativity, elite skating, and high hockey IQ helped revive a rebuilding Montreal team, injecting energy and hope into a franchise hungry for a return to glory.
A Milestone for the Canadiens, A Statement to the League
Winning the Calder Trophy is more than just a personal accolade for Hutson—it’s a historic breakthrough for the Canadiens franchise. Despite 24 Stanley Cup banners hanging in the rafters, this elusive individual award had always remained just out of reach.
Cole Hutson’s triumph puts him in the spotlight as the next face of the franchise and symbolizes a new era for the Canadiens. His win is not only a nod to his talent but a message to the league: Montreal is building something special again.