Lane Hutson's professional career began when he signed his entry-level contract with the Montreal Canadiens on April 12, 2024. The defenseman and native of Holland, Michigan, was chosen in the second round (No. 62) of the 2022 NHL Draft and had an assist in his NHL debut, a 5-4 overtime loss at the Detroit Red Wings, three days after signing with the Canadiens.

Hutson quickly found his way in the NHL and was named Rookie of the Month for December 2024 after scoring 13 points (two goals, 11 assists) in 14 games. He led rookies during the month in assists (11), power-play assists (seven), power-play points (seven), average time on ice (21:18) and total time on ice (298:07). Only one rookie defenseman had more assists or points for Montreal in a single calendar month: Chris Chelios in February 1985 (15 points; one goal, 14 assists in 12 games) and December 1984 (14 points; one goal, 13 assists in 15 games).

Hutson got his 65th point (six goals, 59 assists) of the 2024-25 season with an assist on Juraj Slafkovsky's goal in the third period of a 4-3 shootout loss to the Chicago Blackhawks at Bell Centre on April 14, 2025, breaking a tie with Chelios for the most by a rookie defenseman in Canadiens history. His 60 assists tied an NHL rookie record from a defenseman set by Larry Murphy in 1980-81 and he was voted winner of the Calder Trophy given to the NHL rookie of the year, becoming Montreal's second Calder recipient in the expansion era (since 1967-68) after goalie Ken Dryden (1971-72).

The accolades earned Hutson an eight-year, $70.8 million contract he signed with the Canadiens on Oct. 13, 2025.

Hutson ended his career at Boston University with 49 points that tied Zeev Buium (University of Denver) for first among NCAA defensemen and an NCAA-high 1.29 points per game to lead his position. His 48 points in 2022-23 broke Brian Leetch's record for most points by an under-19 defenseman in a single NCAA season. He also helped the United States win bronze at the 2023 IIHF World Junior Championship and gold at the 2024 tournament, when he led his position with six assists and was named to the WJC All-Star team.

Prior to being drafted by the Canadiens, Hutson won the E.J. McGuire award, presented annually by the NHL to the prospect "who exemplifies a commitment to excellence through strength of character, competitiveness and athleticism."