Montreal Canadiens Expected to Offer Lane Hutson Contract Similar to Luke Hughes' $9M Deal

The contract extension of New Jersey Devils defenseman Luke Hughes, a seven-year deal worth $9 million annually, has set a new market precedent for young NHL defensemen coming out of their entry-level contracts. This development is influencing the ongoing negotiations for Montreal Canadiens defenseman Lane Hutson, who is entering the final year of his entry-level contract and has yet to sign an extension despite a standout rookie season. While the Canadiens are not under the same pressure as the Devils were to finalize a deal quickly, the timing of Hutson's contract remains critical; an impressive season could increase his value, while a delayed agreement might favor the player financially. NHL insiders note that the Canadiens must balance caution against the risk of overpaying or allowing uncertainty to linger, as Hutson's camp may leverage Hughes' contract as a benchmark. Experts suggest a contract in the range of $8.5 to $9 million per year is plausible for Hutson, though the Canadiens' cap situation grants them more flexibility and less urgency compared to the Devils. Ultimately, the Hughes deal has intensified the negotiation landscape, underscoring the challenges teams face in a shifting financial environment within the NHL.