Article content continued

In the past, he might have forced a pass through traffic when pressured and have it turned over. Now, he’ll retreat behind the net, get set and then start the transition.

“The game is so fast, you have to make split-second decisions and that comes with a little bit of confidence,” said Hutton. “Last year, I wouldn’t have had the confidence to keep the puck on my stick and cut back and make a play. It was live to fight another day and just chip it (puck) out and let the forwards get it.

“I feel like I’m stronger and just that half step quicker to be able to make a play or get to the puck first.”

Erik Gudbranson admires Hutton’s resolve. The 2012 fifth-round draft choice seemed light years away from a happy-go-lucky 2015-16 rookie campaign in which he was second in rookie assists (24) by a blueliner and third in points.

“He has been sharper and much more confident and obviously stronger in battles in the corner,” said Gudbranson. “The simplicity and keeping the puck in front of him is not complicating his life. He manages his game extremely well.”

Maybe the coach put it best.

“His compete level is higher,” said Green. “Last year, it wasn’t like he was a lazy person. He wasn’t in as good a shape and I thought it affected him — maybe not on a daily basis but on back-to-back days. And if you have a hard practice, can you come back the next day and be quick off the mark?

“I just dint think he was quite where he needed to be. Give him credit. He has put in the work in and he also knows how I am. If you don’t play well, things can change fast. So far, pretty good job.”