Canadiens Sign Star Defenceman Lane Hutson to $70.8 Million Deal

The Montreal Canadiens have secured their future by signing star defenceman Lane Hutson to a lucrative $70.8 million, eight-year contract. Hutson, who was named the NHL’s rookie of the year for the previous season, will see his new deal take effect in the 2026-27 season and run through to 2033-34.

Under the terms of the contract, the 21-year-old American will earn an average annual salary of $8.85 million. Currently, Hutson is playing under a contract worth $950,000 for the ongoing season. His remarkable performance last season included scoring six goals and providing 60 assists across 82 games, making him a standout player for the Canadiens.

Record-Breaking Rookie Season

During his rookie campaign, Hutson led the Canadiens in assists and topped all NHL rookies in several key categories, including points, assists, power-play points (26), and average ice time (22:44). His impressive 66 points not only set a record for Canadiens rookie defencemen but also tied the NHL record for assists by a rookie blueliner, a record previously held by Larry Murphy since the 1980-81 season.

Hutson’s accomplishments earned him the prestigious Calder Memorial Trophy, awarded annually to the most proficient player in their first year of competition. He became the seventh player in Canadiens history to receive this honor and the first since Ken Dryden in the 1971-72 season. The Canadiens selected Hutson in the second round of the 2022 NHL Draft, picking him 62nd overall.

A Bright Future Ahead

This new contract reflects the Canadiens’ commitment to developing emerging talent and solidifying their roster for the years to come. The decision to invest in Hutson underscores the organization’s confidence in his potential to become one of the league’s top defencemen. As the Canadiens look to build on their performance, Hutson’s continued growth and contributions will be pivotal to the team’s success.

This report was first published by The Canadian Press on October 13, 2025. The Canadiens and their fans will be eagerly watching as Hutson embarks on the next chapter of his promising career.