Montreal Canadiens Sign Lane Hutson to US$70.8 Million Deal

The Montreal Canadiens have secured their star defenceman, Lane Hutson, with a significant new contract valued at US$70.8 million over eight years. Hutson, who was named NHL rookie of the year last season, will receive an average annual salary of US$8.85 million as part of this deal, which extends from the 2026-27 season to 2033-34.

Hutson, a 21-year-old from Michigan, is currently earning US$950,000 for the ongoing season. His impressive rookie performance saw him score six goals and provide 60 assists across 82 games. He led the Canadiens in assists and ranked first among all NHL rookies in points, assists, power-play points (26), and average ice time (22:44).

Record-Setting Rookie Season

Hutson’s remarkable tally of 66 points established a new record for points by a rookie defenceman in Canadiens history. Furthermore, his 60 assists tied the NHL record for assists by a rookie blueliner, a mark set by Larry Murphy during the 1980-81 season.

His outstanding performance earned him the prestigious Calder Memorial Trophy, which is awarded annually to the player deemed most proficient in their first year of competition. Hutson became the seventh player in Canadiens history to win this award, and notably, he is the first since Ken Dryden in the 1971-72 season.

Montreal selected Hutson in the second round, at 62nd overall, during the 2022 NHL draft. His development into a key player for the team reflects positively on the Canadiens’ scouting and development strategies.

As the Canadiens look to the future with Hutson as a cornerstone of their defence, fans and analysts alike will be eager to see how his career progresses in the coming years. This contract not only solidifies Hutson’s role within the team but also indicates the Canadiens’ commitment to building a competitive roster capable of contending for championships.

This report was first published on October 13, 2025, by The Canadian Press.