On Feb. 12, the Toronto forward will exchange the blue-and-white maple leaf on his chest for the red-and-white one of Canada for the opener of the 4 Nations Face-Off against Sweden (8 p.m. ET; MAX, truTV, TNT, SN, TVAS).

Both the Stars and Canadiens have been two of the league’s hottest teams over the last month. Montreal is 11-2-1 in its last 14 games. Dallas has won 10 of its last 12.

There's of course Nick Suzuki and Cole Caulfield's steps forward in assuming their roles as franchise players, both leading the club with 43 and 42 points, respectively. But Hutson is running the defensive corps, averaging 22:42 per night, which gives him a serious edge on Celebrini and Michkov for the campaign's best rookie.

Jakub Dobes stole the show as Dallas fell 3-1 to Montréal in a quick one-game stand at home before heading back on the road

Do you know the list of teams the Montreal Canadiens have beaten recently? It's quite the impressive group of squads, with the Habs taking down the Dallas Stars

Canadiens rookie defenceman Lane Hutson has blossomed into one of the top offensive defencemen in the NHL. He has already become the team’s number-one defenceman and power play quarterback.

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There has been confirmation from Jimmy Murphy at RG.org that the New Jersey Devils are beginning discussions to extend former Canadiens defender, Johnathan Kovacevic.

The Montreal Canadiens have suddenly become a force in the Atlantic Division. After a slow start to the season, this young team has caught some lightning in a jar.

The NHL is just about halfway through its season, and with that, there have been plenty of impressive first-year players. The Calder Trophy, given to the best rookie, should be a tight race between several candidates.

Colorado coach Jared Bednar has stressed the importance of winning games within the division, so Saturday's game against the visiting Dallas Stars has more meaning for both teams.