One of the biggest storylines to emerge from last was the Montreal Canadiens’ late season surge to the playoffs. They were knocked out early by the Washington Capitals, but the team’s potential was plain to see. And after a season that saw them return to the playoffs for the first time in four years, the Habs’ 2-1-0 record so far and belief in their young core suggests that this is a team who are serious about their Cup aspirations.

This forward progress, however, was shadowed by a significant piece of unresolved business, a potential distraction the front office was determined to eliminate to ensure the team’s focus remained squarely on the ice. That looming question was decisively answered when the Canadiens announced they had secured a cornerstone piece for their future, agreeing to terms with reigning Calder Trophy winner Lane Hutson.

On X, insider Pierre LeBrun reported, “Habs announce they’ve agreed to an 8-year extension with Lane Hutson at an $8.85 M AAV per season.” The 70.8 million extension, which includes a substantial $55 million in signing bonuses, is set to begin with the 2026-27 season and will keep the 21-year-old defenseman in Montreal through the 2033-34 campaign.

The massive commitment is a direct reflection of Hutson’s historic rookie season, which immediately established him as one of the league’s most dynamic young blueliners. After being drafted in the second round in 2022, Hutson delivered a phenomenal first year, setting a franchise record for a rookie defenseman with 66 points (six goals and 60 assists) and leading all NHL rookies in scoring.

His 60 assists not only led the Canadiens but also tied the all-time NHL record for assists by a rookie defenseman, a feat previously accomplished only by Larry Murphy in the 1980-81 season. This extraordinary performance made him the first Canadien in over five decades to win the Calder Trophy as the league’s top rookie, joining the legendary Ken Dryden, who last won the award for Montreal in 1972.

In doing so, Hutson also entered an elite class of defensemen, becoming just the fourth blueliner in the modern era to lead his entire rookie class in scoring, a group that includes Hall-of-Famers Bobby Orr and Brian Leetch, as well as contemporary star Quinn Hughes. So, what more does this contract mean to the Habs?

An important piece of business for the Montreal Canadiens

For General Manager Kent Hughes and the Montreal Canadiens organization, this deal is about more than just a financial boost for what they’ve done in the past; it’s a smart move to invest in the heart of the team’s future identity. Hughes mentioned in public statements, “I had a conversation with Lane over the weekend. He talked about his view on things, and it struck me that he wanted to make sure we understood how much he wanted to be here and how hard he was going to work. I kinda cut him off and said, ‘Lane, there wouldn’t be an eight-year deal if we didn’t believe in who you are at your core.'”

The Canadiens have made a smart move by signing Hutson to a long-term deal that covers several years of unrestricted free agency. This means they’ve managed to secure most of their exciting young core, alongside players like Nick Suzuki, Cole Caufield, and Juraj Slafkovsky, who are set to be key parts of the team for years to come.

Top Stories

‘RIP’: NASCAR World Crumbles in Tears as 39-YO Former JR Motorsports Driver Passes Away

Bills Announce Historic Josh Allen News Before Bengals Game

Ravens’ Lamar Jackson Demands Short-Term Contract Away From NFL on Thursday

Chiefs Veteran Gives Up on Playoff Hopes With Patrick Mahomes & Travis Kelce Facing the Impossible

Lamar Jackson Has Reportedly Been Seeking John Harbaugh’s Firing for Years as Locker Room Secret Leaked

Donald Trump Takes Unexpected Shot at NFL With Name Change Call During FIFA World Cup Draw

For a franchise that’s on the upswing, keeping Lane Hutson’s record-setting play in Montreal for the next decade really strengthens the blue line and gives the team and its fans a chance to fully embrace a future that’s looking brighter by the day.