Ben Hutton has disappointed since scoring 25 points in his rookie season two years ago.
Expected to solidify himself as a bonafide top-four defenceman last season, Hutton took a step back; failing to crack 20 points. That offensive regression has continued this season with the 24-year-old having registered just six assists in 59 games.
More importantly, Hutton has lost his regular spot in the lineup— sitting in the press box as a healthy scratch for 12 games since December due to nonchalant defensive play, frequent turnovers, and off-ice conditioning concerns.
All those qualms are valid to varying degrees, and with Hutton set to turn 25-years-old in less than a month, he’s got little room to develop.