First awarded in 2015, the E.J. McGuire Award of Excellence is presented annually by the League to a candidate who best exemplifies commitment to excellence through strength of character, competitiveness, and athleticism.
Born in Holland, Mich., the defenseman competed for USA Hockey's National Team Development Program Under-18 team this season, recording a team-high 53 assists in 60 games (10-53-63). At the 2022 Under-18 World Championship, Hutson was named the Best Defenseman of the tournament helping Team USA earn a silver medal.
"Lane Hutson is a worthy recipient of the 2022 E.J. McGuire Award of Excellence after exhibiting all the qualities recognized by this honor," said Dan Marr, Director of NHL Central Scouting. "Lane, whose season culminated by being named Best Defender at the 2022 Under-18 World Championship, plays a dynamic game in which he consistently excels in utilizing his speed, smarts and skills. As a 5'8" defenseman, any description of Lane has always referenced his size. One of his more appealing traits is his ability to use that size to an advantage and dispel any perceived limitations. His passion for the game has earned him the respect of teammates and opponents alike - a special player who will find his way into an NHL line-up and be a positive influence for others along the way."
Hutson was presented with an engraved NHL crystal in Tampa, Fla. by NHL Deputy Commissioner Bill Daly during Game 3 of the Stanley Cup Final. He also will be recognized during the live 2022 NHL Awards™ on Tuesday, June 21 at 7 p.m. ET on ESPN, Sportsnet and TVA Sports in the U.S. and Canada.
NHL Network™, NHL.com and NHL Social™ will provide comprehensive coverage of the 2022 NHL Awards™. Fans can follow the festivities across the NHL's social media channels via the official hashtag #NHLAwards.
The first round of the 2022 Upper Deck NHL Draft will be broadcast on Thursday, July 7, at 7 p.m. ET on ESPN, ESPN+ in the U.S. and Sportsnet, TVA Sports in Canada. Rounds 2-7 will air on NHL Network, ESPN+ in the U.S. and on Sportsnet, TVA Sports in Canada on Friday, July 8 at 11 a.m. ET.
E.J. McGuire Award of Excellence History
After many years of coaching and scouting at various levels of hockey, McGuire joined the NHL's Central
Scouting Bureau in 2002 and assumed day-to-day responsibility for the department in 2005. McGuire
spearheaded an operation that provided scouting and evaluation of draft-eligible players to NHL Member Clubs. He led a team of eight full-time and 15 part-time scouts throughout North America. Just as he brought innovation to the coaching profession throughout his career, McGuire was responsible for several advancements in the area of scouting during his nine years at the League, including the development of a new scouting technology system that brought the "art" of scouting to a whole new level. He was instrumental in raising both the effectiveness and profile of the League's annual scouting combine. McGuire lost his short, but courageous battle with cancer in April 2011.
Past Recipients
2021:
William Eklund
2020:
Zayde Wisdom
2019:
Brett Leason
2018:
2017-18 Humboldt Broncos
2017:
Nico Hischier
2016:
Neil Doef
2015: Travis Konecny
