Canadiens’ Lane Hutson Signs Lucrative 8-Year Extension After Rookie of the Year Campaign

The Montreal Canadiens have secured one of the most promising young defensemen in the NHL, announcing on Monday, October 13, that Lane Hutson has agreed to an eight-year contract extension worth $70.8 million, averaging $8.85 million per season. The deal, which kicks in for the 2026-27 season and runs through 2033-34, underscores the Canadiens’ commitment to building around their rising star.

Hutson, 21, burst onto the NHL scene last season, earning rookie of the year honors in 2024-25. Over 66 games, he recorded six goals and 60 assists, tying the all-time NHL record for assists by a rookie defenseman originally set by Larry Murphy in 1980-81. His 66 points also set a Canadiens record for a rookie defenseman, signaling both offensive prowess and playmaking ability from the blue line.

Hutson’s Impact on Montreal

General manager Kent Hughes praised Hutson not only for his on-ice talent but for his character and leadership potential. “There wouldn’t be an eight-year deal if we didn’t believe in who you were at your core,” Hughes told reporters. “The kind of person he is, how committed he is to being his best version of himself but also being the best version of a teammate.”

Hutson’s vision, skating ability, and hockey IQ make him a foundational piece for the Canadiens’ defense corps. He has the potential to anchor Montreal’s blue line for nearly a decade, providing both offensive production from the back end and stability in critical defensive situations.

A Shifting NHL Market for Defensemen

Hutson’s contract comes amid a significant reset in the NHL market for young defensemen coming out of their entry-level deals. This month alone has seen several high-profile extensions:

• Luke Hughes, 22, of the New Jersey Devils, signed a seven-year, $63 million deal ($9 million AAV) on October 1. He now earns more than his All-Star brothers Quinn ($7.85 million) and Jack ($8 million).
• Jackson LaCombe, defenseman for the Anaheim Ducks, signed an eight-year, $72 million extension on October 2, with a $9 million cap hit, making him the Ducks’ highest-paid player next season.

Hutson’s $8.85 million average annual value slots him neatly among these elite young defensemen, reflecting both his immediate impact and long-term potential.

The Significance of the Contract Length

This will be the final season under the NHL’s current collective bargaining agreement (CBA) that allows eight-year extensions. Moving forward, the new CBA limits contract extensions to seven years for re-signing players with their current team or six years for players signing elsewhere. Montreal’s decision to lock in Hutson now ensures they capitalize on this final opportunity for maximum term security.

Long-term contracts carry inherent risks, especially for young players, but the Canadiens are betting that Hutson’s elite skill set, hockey IQ, and character will keep him performing at a high level over the next eight seasons. If Hutson continues his upward trajectory, this contract could become a team-friendly deal relative to his production in the latter years.

Comparisons and Market Context

Hutson’s deal mirrors a growing trend in the NHL: rewarding top young defensemen with long-term, high-value contracts as teams aim to secure cornerstone players before they reach unrestricted free agency. The recent contracts for Hughes and LaCombe highlight how the league is resetting expectations for young defenders, particularly those capable of contributing offensively while maintaining strong defensive play.

Montreal now joins other teams in emphasizing youth and stability on the blue line, signaling that they view Hutson as a long-term cornerstone. Given the Canadiens’ history of developing elite defensemen and the team’s current rebuild trajectory, this extension reflects both strategic foresight and a commitment to retaining top talent.

Hutson’s Potential and the Road Ahead

At just 21, Hutson has already proven he can compete at the highest level. His record-tying assist total and team-record point output show his ability to control play from the defense, drive offense, and quarterback the power play.

Looking ahead, Montreal will rely heavily on Hutson to not only continue developing offensively but to mentor younger teammates, adapt to different defensive partners, and help stabilize the team during key moments. Hutson’s growth trajectory could position him as a future Norris Trophy contender, particularly if he continues to produce at elite levels while anchoring Montreal’s back end.

For the Canadiens, this deal represents both a commitment to a young superstar and a strategic move to position the team competitively in the coming decade. Hutson now has the security and platform to flourish, while Montreal gains long-term stability at a premium position.

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