Despite a challenging 2024-2025 season overall for the Montreal Canadiens, Lane Hutson is an excellent addition to our organization.

In his first NHL season, Hutson has exceeded all expectations and is already establishing himself as a cornerstone of the Canadiens’ defensive corps.

He has even relegated Mike Matheson to a secondary role and to the second power-play unit.

His talent has not gone unnoticed, Patrik Laine even stated that Hutson is the best power-play quarterback he has ever played with.

Compared to Adam Fox, a benchmark among young offensive defensemen, Hutson is on an impressive trajectory for a player who is only 20 years old.

Are we already thinking about a contract extension for Lane Hutson?

Believe it or not, it will happen sooner rather than later.

As his entry-level contract nears its end, one burning question remains: what will his next contract look like?

Experts believe Kent Hughes will want to sign Hutson for the next eight years.

With the rising salary cap, a contract between $55 and $60 million over eight years seems realistic.

This would position Hutson among the highest-paid players on the team while respecting the salary hierarchy set by captain Nick Suzuki ($7.875M per year).

 

Hutson, selected 62nd overall in 2022, is a true revelation and represents the future of Montreal’s defense.

If his progression continues, he could very well become one of the best defensemen of his generation.

Lane Hutson Comparables

 

Quinn Hughes

Hughes signed a 6 year, $47,100,000 contract with an average salary of $7,850,000 per season. He signed his contract in 2021 when he was 21 years old, and his contract expires at the end of the 2026-27 season, when he will be 27 years old.

Adam Fox

Fox signed a 7 year, $66,500,000 contract with an average salary of $9,500,000 per season. He signed his contract in 2021 when he was 23, and his contract will expire in 2028-29 season, when he will be 31.

If Hutson keeps this play up, he will surely cash in a large contract. He currently has 26 points in 37 games as a 20 year old and was named rookie of the month for December!