Canadiens sign Lane Hutson to eight-year contract extension

Hutson is currently in the final season of his three-year, entry-level contract, which he signed in April 2024. That deal has an AAV of $1.33 million.

The Holland, Mich. native is coming off one of the best seasons by a rookie defender in league history. In 82 games, Hutson posted six goals and an incredible 60 assists for 66 points, becoming just the fifth freshman rearguard in NHL history to post 50 helpers in a season.

Along with finishing third on the Canadiens in scoring, he led all rookie skaters in points, becoming just the fourth blueliner in the modern era to accomplish the feat, joining the likes of Bobby Orr, Brian Leetch and Quinn Hughes. Hutson also had five assists in the Habs’ five games against the Washington Capitals in the first round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs.

Hutson’s play was enough to earn him the Calder Trophy as rookie of the year, becoming the first Canadien since Ken Dryden 53 years prior to win the award.

There seemed to be a little bit of pressure for Montreal to lock up their d-man of the future soon. With the New Jersey Devils signing Luke Hughes to a seven-year, $63 million contract extension earlier this month, along with the Anaheim Ducks putting Jackson LaCombe on the books for another eight years, with a $9 million cap hit. Whether Hutson’s new deal was already in the works or was put together with haste, it’s a pretty fair price for one of the top youngsters in the game today.

Through three games this season, the 21-year-old has just one point, posting an assist in a 3-2 win over the Chicago Blackhawks this past Saturday.

In 87 career NHL games, Hutson has scored six goals and 63 assists for 69 points.

Montreal (2-1-0) is scheduled to host the Seattle Kraken on Tuesday.