Imagine a rookie defenseman shattering records and dominating the ice like no other in recent memory. That’s exactly what Lane Hutson did, and now the Montreal Canadiens are ensuring he stays in their lineup for the long haul. But here’s where it gets controversial: Is an eight-year, $70.8 million deal a bold move or a risky bet on a young player’s potential? Let’s dive in.
On Monday, Canadiens general manager Kent Hughes announced that the team has locked down Hutson with an eight-year contract extension spanning from 2026-27 to 2033-34. This deal solidifies Hutson’s role as a cornerstone of the franchise, with an average annual salary of $8.85 million. But what makes this extension truly stand out is Hutson’s unprecedented rookie performance in the 2024-25 season.
In just his first full NHL season, Hutson racked up an astonishing 66 points (6 goals, 60 assists) in 82 games, while also logging 34 penalty minutes. And this is the part most people miss: He didn’t just lead the Canadiens in assists—he led all NHL rookies in points, assists, power play points (26), and average ice time (22:44). His 66 points set a new franchise record for a rookie defenseman, and his 60 assists tied the NHL’s all-time record for assists by a rookie blue-liner, a feat last achieved by Larry Murphy in 1980-81.
Hutson’s dominance didn’t stop there. He became the first defenseman since 2019-20 to lead all rookies in points, and his stellar play earned him the Calder Memorial Trophy—an honor awarded to the league’s most outstanding rookie. Hutson is just the seventh player in Canadiens history to win this award and the first since Ken Dryden in 1971-72. Here’s the kicker: He was drafted in the second round (62nd overall) in the 2022 NHL Draft, proving that sometimes, the biggest stars aren’t always found in the first round.
This extension is a massive vote of confidence in Hutson’s ability to sustain his elite-level play. But it also raises questions: Can he maintain this level of production over the next decade? And is the Canadiens’ front office setting a precedent for investing heavily in young talent? What do you think? Is this deal a slam dunk, or are the Canadiens taking a gamble? Let us know in the comments—this is one conversation you won’t want to miss!
