The Montreal Canadiens have secured defenseman Lane Hutson, last season’s NHL rookie standout, with a lucrative eight-year contract extension worth $70.8 million USD. This new deal will be effective starting from the 2026-27 season once Hutson’s initial rookie contract concludes, and it will remain valid until 2033-34. Hailing from Michigan, the 21-year-old was drafted in the second round of the 2022 selection from Boston University.
During his debut full NHL campaign, Hutson made an impressive mark by setting a franchise record for rookie points in a single season with 66 and equalling the team’s assist record with 60. He led all rookies in points and power-play points with 26, while also boasting an average ice time of 22 minutes and 44 seconds over 82 games.
Contributing significantly to the Canadiens’ playoff qualification last season, Hutson played a pivotal role in the team’s rebuilding phase, marking their first postseason appearance in four years. His exceptional performance earned him the prestigious Calder Trophy, making him the seventh player in Canadiens’ history and the first since goalie Ken Dryden in 1971-72 to achieve this honor.
