Ben Hutton has an anonymous role with the Vegas Golden Knights. He's subjected to filling in for a defenseman out of commission for a game or two. It's not a pretty role, being equated to being the local garbageman. However, Hutton has done well in his current position on the team.
Depth pieces are hard to find for specific positions in today's NHL. Teams want to prepare in case of numerous injuries, which can hinder their chances of winning the Stanley Cup. Luckily, the Golden Knights don't have that problem on the blue line, specifically with offensive production. Names like Shea Theodore (nine assists) and Alex Pietrangelo (11 assists) make Vegas dangerous at the position.
But don't discount Hutton, especially when the team loses a key defender. The Golden Knights have dealt with countless injuries in the last three seasons. Yes, they won a Stanley Cup in one of those seasons. But the Golden Knights aren't just relying on an airtight defensive system to stop opponents.
That's where the 31-year-old comes in. He provides a veteran forechecking acumen that comes through for the Golden Knights. It's something players like Noah Hanifin can't claim like he can. Yes, he's only played one game in the 2024-25 season. However, Hutton is an underrated piece for the Golden Knights. How, you might ask?
The role of Ben Hutton on the Vegas Golden Knights
On Wednesday, Ben Hutton made his season debut against the Edmonton Oilers. He filled in for Nicolas Hague, who was day-to-day with a lower-body injury. The stat sheets will say the native of Brockville, Ontario did nothing. He had one shot on goal and didn't produce any points in 13:18 of TOI. However, it was his first game in the lineup this season. Therefore, it takes a little bit to warm up.
Still, Hutton's purpose is to act as a depth piece for the defensive group. Whenever a Vegas Golden Knights blue-liner like Hague goes down, he'll fill in immediately. What the Golden Knights need from this standpoint is someone who's competitive and goes after every puck.
The defenseman does an excellent job of jumping in and contributing, making plays, and creating opportunities for his teammates. He brings veteran experience to the unit and provides forechecking skills to the blue line. With names like Kaeden Korczak and Zach Whitecloud ready to act as long-term pieces, Hutton's presence guides the younger guys.
Part of why the Golden Knights didn't trade Shea Theodore was the overwhelming strength and depth with defensemen. Their group was bolstered by other names, including Noah Hanifin and Alex Pietrangelo. Hutton adds another element to that game, creating turnovers and making plays for his teammates to score.
What Hutton must develop as a defenseman
Of course, Hutton isn't perfect by any stretch. First, he must improve his play in his own zone to become a formidable team member. That means taking care of the puck and watching for any oncoming defenders. Having 279 career giveaways doesn't inspire much confidence in the matter, where a loose puck can result in a goal.
The good news is he's also mobile, so his skating ability can negate some problems. Of course, it's possible if he utilizes it to the maximum efficiency, which has also been an issue. Sometimes, he won't put himself on the line like Pietrangelo would, going after every puck and winning every battle.
Still, having a seventh defenseman for the Vegas Golden Knights is always a boon. That player can come in and give the team a needed boost defensively and offensively. That's what Ben Hutton brings to the table and is part of why the Golden Knights have one of the better defenseman groups offensively. Nobody can match the depth and offensive play that they put out. Of course, that's partly because of the 31-year-old's presence.