When it comes to Vegas Golden Knights defensemen, people will think about names like Alex Pietrangelo, Shea Theodore, and Brayden McNabb. Those names are part of a lengthy line of reliable blue liners who etched out a legacy with the Golden Knights. However, one name doesn't get as much recognition as the others: Ben Hutton.
That's why his PTO tryout with the Ottawa Senators sticks out. The former Golden Knights defenseman will get a chance to help Ottawa take control of Ontario and establish themselves firmly in the Eastern Conference.
ROSTER UPDATE: Defenseman Ben Hutton has been added to the training camp roster on a PTO.
— Sens Communications (@Media_Sens) September 17, 2026
MISE À JOUR: Le défenseur Ben Hutton participera au camp d'entraînement avec un contrat d'essai professionnel (PTO).
Last season, Hutton was productive as a seventh defenseman for the Golden Knights. He scored six goals and nine assists in 55 games, adding 3.2 point shares in the process. He scored 14 goals and 34 assists in his five-year Vegas residency, making him one of the most underappreciated Golden Knights around.
Overall, he has 30 goals and 109 assists during his 11-year NHL career. He also played for the Anaheim Ducks, Los Angeles Kings, Toronto Maple Leafs, and the Vancouver Canucks. Hockey fans will remember his 2015-16 campaign with the Canucks, where he produced a goal and 24 assists.
So, what will the Ottawa Senators potentially get with an incoming Hutton? Would he be of any service to the Senators if he made the team? Let's take a trip down memory lane and see what made the defenseman special with the Golden Knights.
What are the Ottawa Senators potentially getting with Ben Hutton?
Golden Knights fans will remember how important Hutton was to the team's defensive structure. The 33-year-old always played a responsible style and acted as a problem in one-on-one matchups. That's why he had 8.3 defensive point shares during his five-year Vegas residency.
But that isn't the only thing that Hutton brings to the table. He's also proficient in blocking shots, although that's been toned down in recent years. The ex-Golden Knight has done great work in clogging lanes and giving his goaltender better looks, as proven by his 725 career blocked shots.
Hutton's also good at taking the puck away. He has a terrific sleight-of-hand that can help the Senators' defensive play. Watch for him when he's on the back-end, where he can do the most damage. That can help Ottawa, especially when you have a veteran defenseman who's experienced in pickpocketing his opponents and going down the opposite end.
Now, is there a chance that he joins the Senators? Well, the Golden Knights have seen this before with Tanner Pearson. The veteran winger impressed management during the 2024-25 season, leading to a one-year deal. That's a possibility for the former Vegas defenseman, who's going up against names like Jordan Spence and Artem Zub.
The Senators are looking to get younger and add more energy to their Stanley Cup prospects. However, a little veteran leadership on the blue line didn't hurt anybody. That's what makes Hutton an interesting name to watch. If he doesn't make it? Well, the door's always open to come back home.
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