Lane Hutson’s Next Contract Could Shatter Canadiens Salary Chart

“I think the cap going up, the market is getting reset,” Friedman said. “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.”

From Rookie Sensation to Imminent Superstar

Hutson, 21, led all NHL rookies in scoring last season with 66 points, including 60 assists. He also logged significant minutes for Montreal in the postseason, averaging nearly 25 minutes of ice time while adding five points in five playoff games.

Despite appearing in just two NHL games the season before, his first in the league, Hutson wasted no time making an impact in his first full campaign with the Canadiens.

Ultimately, Hutson finished the season having earned a top-pairing role and placed third (66 points) in team scoring only behind forwards Suzuki (89) and Cole Caufield (70).

Currently, Hutson carries a $950,000 cap hit through the 2025–26 season under his entry-level contract. He will be a restricted free agent next July.

Why Lane Hutson's Next Contract Could Reshape Montreal’s Blueprint

Dan Rosen of NHL.com projected that Hutson could reset the market entirely for young players at his position once he signs his next contract with Montreal.

“If he builds on his Calder Trophy-winning season, it’ll be a mega deal, likely exceeding Noah Dobson’s $9.5 million AAV,” Rosen wrote.

If Rosen's and Friedman’s prediction holds, Hutson’s next deal would make him the Canadiens’ highest-paid defenseman — and possibly their highest-paid player.

Dobson’s $9.5 million AAV currently tops Montreal’s salary chart, followed by Patrik Laine at $8.7 million.

The Canadiens’ blue line has been rebuilt around young talent, including Dobson, Hutson, Kaiden Guhle, Jayden Struble, and 2022 top pick David Reinbacher, who is expected to join the NHL roster next season, all of them 25 years old or younger.