The Canucks flew from Calgary to Raleigh Sunday afternoon, arriving early evening. The players got together for dinner before breaking off into smaller groups; some watched baseball playoffs and some took in the Sunday night NFL game, while others went back to the hotel for a little R&R.
Hutton likes baseball and Hutton likes football, but when his R&R could include the season 9 premiere of The Walking Dead, his choice was easy.
"I missed that show honestly," he laughed. "It's not the best, but I've been into it for a while and I'll ride it out until the end."
But Ben, I retorted, that show has been going downhill for a while now. I used to be a huge fan, but there comes a point in every show where the decision is made to plan out a proper ending, or stretch it into as many seasons as humanly possible. In my mind The Walking Dead opted for the latter and I gave up a few years ago.
"I see what you're saying for sure," Hutton replied, "but it's the only show I've got right now. I think I've seen everything on Netflix. And honestly nothing has really compared to Breaking Bad. That was an amazing show."
Hutton's struggles last season meant he had more time for Netflix because as a scratch he arrived at games moments before puck drop, not three hours prior to prepare for battle.
The 25-year-old will be one of the first players to PNC Arena Tuesday evening when the Canucks visit the Carolina Hurricanes, if rumours of him playing in his first game of the season are true.
Paired with Troy Stecher Monday in practice, Hutton is primed and ready to go if called upon.
"It's frustrating sitting out, especially in the home opener, after I thought I had a pretty solid pre-season, but you've got to be patient," said Hutton. "We've got eight capable D on the backend who can play any given night, so I've got to be patient and wait for my number to be called."
Neither Hutton or Alex Biega played in Vancouver's first two games of the season, a win at home versus Calgary and a road loss three-nights later. Biega is always ready when called upon, whether his skillset is needed for match-up purposes, his physically needed to bring some muscle or if he's filling in for an injured player. Biega, while certainly frustrated at times throughout the season with his irregular role, keeps his head high, boosting teammates every chance he gets. Complaining isn't in his repertoire.
Hutton continues to soak in the ways of the Bulldog.
"Bulldog is a huge leader. Even if you don't see him or he doesn't have a letter on his chest, he's still a great leader and mentor for me.
"No one likes sitting in the stands watching their team play and battle. You have to take it with a chip on your shoulder, but at the same time you have to be encouraging. You can't be a Debbie Downer. You have to encourage the guys, because they're all still my friends and teammates and I want them to do well."
Zombie apocalypse or not, everyone has a role to play.
