Can 2026 NHL Draft prospect Xavier Villeneuve be the next Lane Hutson?

Xavier Villeneuve, a small offensive defenseman playing for the QMJHL's Blainville-Boisbriand Armada, is considered one of the most polarizing prospects in the 2026 NHL Draft. Despite impressing scouts and his coach Alexandre Jacques with his dynamic skill — reportedly outplaying veteran NHLers Joel Teasdale and Philippe Maillet during a practice — his small size makes him a divisive evaluation among scouts. The article draws comparisons between Villeneuve and Montreal Canadiens defenseman Lane Hutson, another undersized offensive blueliner who succeeded at the NHL level.