'Lane Hutson will cost the Habs $20 million more next year'

Let’s say Hutson signs a 7-year contract, that’s almost $3M per season the Habs could have saved themselves, according to McCagg, whereas if he signs for 8 years, it’s $2.5M per year.

His analysis is interesting insofar as it includes the other contracts that have been signed in the last few years, including of course Kirill Kaprizov’s.

So McCagg is right that the Habs will lose out by not giving him a contract this summer. I’m of the same opinion, but be warned: I don’t think it’ll be that much. Why not? Because Kent Hughes isn’t the type to give in to NHL trends, and Hutson sees himself in Montreal for the long term. Will Hutson accept a discounted contract? Not immensely, but I think the demands will be reasonable. Hutson sees the team culture with the Caufields, Suzukis and Slafkovskys, and seems to embrace it. It remains to be seen whether this will translate into his contract. spacer title=’Overtime’] – Nice show of character yesterday.

– That would be a logical number if he continues to perform.

– Let’s just say he really hasn’t made any friends.