The Montreal Canadiens already have one big defenseman contract on their books.
In June, they traded with the Islanders for 25-year old Noah Dobson and gave him an eight year, $76 million contract extension.
Next up is young star Lane Hutson, and his money may turn out similarly to Dobson.
Here’s what NHL insider Elliotte Friedman said on his podcast this week:
“I think with the cap going up the market is getting reset… Initially the Canadiens probably wanted him under Nick Suzuki, and now you look at the deal Noah Dobson signed, if Hutson is going to sign for term, it’s probably going to be up closer to Dobson.”
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Suzuki’s deal is for eight years and $63 million.
That $13 million difference over eight years amounts to $1.625 million per year.
Hutson is 21 years old. He was a second-round pick by Montreal in 2022 and played collegiately at Boston University after growing up in Michigan.
He only appeared in two NHL games in 2023-24, so 2024-25 was his first full NHL season.
Hutson was brilliant. He dished out 60 assists as a player who spent the majority of the season at 20 years old. He also had six goals.
The 5-foot-9 lefty also blocked 123 shots.
Hutson won the Calder Memorial Trophy as the league’s Rookie of the Year.
He’s the type of player that the Canadiens have already seen grow into a shining gem, and they won’t want to get rid of him.
It actually may be prudent to sign Hutson to an extension sooner rather than later. At the level of player he is, the longer he goes, the more his price may rise.
But at his ability, Hutson will likely be worth it no matter the cost. And now with the Dobson deal, the Canadiens at least have a blueprint to follow.
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