Vegas Golden Knights defenseman Ben Hutton (17) skates against the Florida Panthers during the second period of an NHL hockey game at T-Mobile Arena Thursday, Jan. 12, 2023.
Wednesday, Jan. 18, 2023 | 2 a.m.
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Ben Hutton won’t lie. It’s a mental strain when he’s in and out of the lineup, he said.
It’s not a situation where the eight-year veteran defenseman would go to the powers that be and demand more ice time. He’s never been that way, nor does he think he wields the power to do so.
Injuries to the Golden Knights’ blue line have opened the door for Hutton to get playing time. Since arriving as a free agent in October 2021 and signing a two-year extension four months later, Hutton has been a reliable depth defenseman, ready at all times.
“In and out of the lineup, you’re trying to find your timing. You’re trying to get in the groove of things, build your momentum,” Hutton said. “When I’m getting out there, I’m trying to build my confidence as best I can and try to make plays when I can.”
Hutton understands the numbers game in Vegas. There are young defensemen already on the NHL roster — Nicolas Hague and Zach Whitecloud — who have earned their minutes. There are established defensemen — Alex Pietrangelo, Shea Theodore, Alec Martinez and Brayden McNabb — that are the core of that unit.
There are young players, like Kaedan Korczak, who continue to appear ahead of the curve and are taking advantage of their own ice time.
And then there’s Hutton, a reliable defenseman who won’t provide the flashy plays but understands his role and fills it well.
He knows he’s a stopgap in place of the injured Theodore and Whitecloud. He knows he’s the one who can be depended on in a pinch for 15-18 minutes a night and can play anywhere from the top pair to the power play.
That’s the pressure that comes with being the depth option. There might be nights when Hutton could participate in pregame warmups, but someone gets hurt, and he has to go in.
The day-to-day pressure of staying ready is an enjoyable challenge for Hutton because every day could bring something different.
“You stay on the ice extra [after morning skate]; you’re working a little bit harder to make sure that when you are in the lineup or if you go through a stretch of a few games where you’re not playing, you’re in game shape,” Hutton said. “As hard as practices are, games are harder.”
Right now, Hutton is playing on the third pair with Martinez as a makeshift, stay-at-home pairing that’s not asked to contribute much offensively.
The chances have been there, though.
Hutton scored his first goal of the season Dec. 28 in Anaheim. He doesn’t attack the net often, but in this instance, he was rewarded for getting near the crease.
He knows the one way to stay in the lineup is to attack the net and find a way to get on the score sheet.
“I think the opportunity has been there for me to take it,” Hutton said. “At the same time, I feel my mindset when I’m sitting out or coming back into the lineup is maybe, ‘Alright, to earn a spot full-time, maybe I’ve got to contribute a little more offensively, whether it’s be more aggressive or jumping in the play more.’”
The Hutton-Martinez pair has been steady in 12 games. When they’ve been on the ice, the Golden Knights have out-attempted opponents 38-36, out-shot them on goal 17-12 and have been on the ice for 1.66 expected goals while allowing 0.81.
Martinez’s offensive numbers (zero goals, six assists in 41 games) have taken a dive this season, though he leads the NHL with 141 blocked shots. But with Martinez exiting Monday’s game against Dallas with an injury, Hutton could have a new defense partner in the coming days.
“He’s a professional,” Martinez said of Hutton last week. “It’s not an easy spot to be in. He handles it with class and professionalism.”
Hutton has also taken the time to be a mentor to young defensemen like Korczak, Brayden Pachal and Daniil Miromanov. With Hutton turning 30 in April, he embraces that role.
For now, Hutton will still get playing time. Whether he plays well enough to stay in the lineup when/if the Golden Knights get back to full health is another matter.
“He’s done a good job biding his time,” coach Bruce Cassidy said. “He’s worked hard to keep his game up.”
Danny Webster can be reached at 702-259-8814 or [email protected]. Follow Danny on Twitter at twitter.com/DannyWebster21.
