Hutton eager to improve, agent says
Defenceman out to get faster and more athletic this summer to earn his spot
Ben Hutton has been hitting the gym instead of the beach.
The much-maligned Vancouver Canucks defenceman is changing his off-season trainer and fitness regimen to better incorporate speed and strength. He will also work with an NHL skating coach to improve explosiveness and his edge work.
He even purchased a Wingate bike — it builds and tests anaerobic power and capacity — taking daily steps to repair his relationship with the Canucks.
Maybe he’ll come back and kick sand in the faces of his detractors.
Hutton was scratched seven times in a 15-game span — including four straight occasions in February — in an obvious disconnect with rookie head coach Travis Green. He managed just six assists in 61 games, had his focus and conditioning questioned, and was the subject of trade speculation.
You’d think the befuddled blue-liner, who turns 25 Friday, would want his agent to find a way out and request a trade. Not so.
“I had lots of conversations with (general manager) Jim Benning and never requested a trade,” Hutton’s representative Andy Scott said Thursday from Ottawa. “But there were lots of serious questions about what they felt. I think it’s sincere and genuine that they have a view of Ben that is still positive and optimistic.”
Hutton is far removed from finishing second in rookie blue-liner assists (24) and third in points (25) in his rookie 2015-16 season where nobody knew his name or his game. Teams started playing him tougher and ramped it up this season to the point where he was offensively ineffective.
The Canucks had a combined 21 goals from the back end this season and only two on the power play, making it critical they find a solution from within or look for it elsewhere.
“I had a conference call with all hands on deck — including Green — and they wanted more from him (Hutton) this season and they do see a significant upside,” Scott said. “He’s going to answer the bell. He has the fire in his eyes to have a big summer and prove some people wrong.”
That’s what you expect an agent to say about his client.
However, with Hutton, too many people thought too much was amiss this season, and silver linings were difficult to find.
Hutton came into training camp at 208 pounds and his weight never wavered outside the 205 to 208 range. Scott was told that in an exit meeting, the Canucks mentioned his 6-2 client was above average in strength and one of the stronger players on the team. However, he was seventh in two categories among Canuck defencemen — with only 68 blocked shots and 40 hits — which suggest his physical presence and battle level were often waning.
Also, Hutton’s happy-go-lucky manner was somehow married to not caring. Suddenly, he wasn’t that carefree rookie who once moved pucks at ease, but a defenceman who struggled to escape the forecheck and didn’t seem too worried about it.
“He had some serious adversity this year and some of the stuff was called into question,” said Scott.
“Today’s NHL defencemen have to move the puck and have agility. Ben understands that and is keeping an open (training) mind.
“This guy wants to win. Guys shouldn’t be fooled by the smile and the attitude. Part of his personality is the happy-go-lucky guy who likes to have a good time — when it’s not game time. He’s competitive and I feel like that gets lost a little bit.” So does Hutton.
“Travis is definitely learning who I am and my personality and I don’t think it rubbed him the wrong way,” Hutton said April 9. “That’s the type of guy I am. It would be weird to change your personality just to play.”
Hutton will be entering the final portion of a two-year, US$5.6 million contract extension this fall. He has plenty of incentive to stake claim to a top-four roster spot, quell trade speculation and bring negotiating clout to the table as a restricted free agent with arbitration rights.
It’s up to him to make all that happen. Not Green.
“I’m going to grind to make sure I come back as one of the most-conditioned guys on the team,” Hutton vowed.
“I’ve had a lot of ups and downs but in the long run it’s going to help. It’s simple. Be in top shape and perform to my capabilities.”
If Hutton does that, Green won’t be questioning his focus or resolve.
“It’s very clear with what he wants — he’s a straight-up guy,” Hutton said.
“I want to be a puck-moving, mobile defenceman and still be strong in my battles. I need some muscle, but conditioning is big.”
Bigger than ever.