Luke Hughes’s new contract may play a task in defenseman Lane Hutson’s contract negotiations with the nhl/montreal-canadiens” goal=”_blank” rel=”noopener noreferrer” data-is-sponsored=”false”>Montreal Canadiens. Hughes signed a seven-year, $63 million contract with the New Jersey Devils on Wednesday. The deal has a median annual worth of $9 million.
Insider Arpon Basu and Pierre LeBrun of The Athletic talked about Luke’s new contract and its implications for defenseman Lane Hutson’s extension. Hutson can also be getting into the final season of his rookie contract.
Basu wrote that Hughes’ deal offers helpful context. He believes that it could take time to see the total influence.
“There are extra elements impacting the Hutson negotiation than cash,” Basu wrote. “And whereas the Hughes contract in New Jersey provides context to the dialogue, it’s doable we gained’t know simply how impactful it’s for a while but.”
Hughes, 22, recorded 44 factors in 71 regular-season video games final 12 months, whereas Hutson, 21, gained the Calder Trophy following a rookie season with 66 factors. He scored six targets and 60 factors and ended the season with a -2 defensive score, which was higher than Luke’s -9 score.
Pierre LeBrun commented on the state of affairs.
“Everybody concerned within the Hutson negotiations has been very tight-lipped about how issues have performed out to date, however I consider the Canadiens have been aggressive of their method thus far,” LeBrun stated.
Hutson’s subsequent contract goes to be a serious focus for Montreal, as his sturdy rookie season and Hughes’ deal have set a typical. Elite younger defensemen are commanding excessive salaries throughout the NHL. So, the Canadiens might want to steadiness long-term worth with workforce priorities.
Insiders on defenseman Lane Hutson’s future contract
Lane Hutson’s rookie contract with the Montreal Canadiens ends in 2026. He can be a restricted free agent after the 2025-26 season.
NHL analyst Jimmy Murphy spoke concerning the state of affairs on The Sick Podcast with Tony Marinaro in August.
“I do not know after they do it, however I feel it is of their again pocket, and Hudson is aware of that the workforce is aware of it is simply understood,” Murphy stated.
Murphy additionally stated that one other sturdy season may enhance Hutson’s value. If Hutson produces once more, the Canadiens might want to pay extra. NHL.com analyst Dan Rosen shared the same view on Aug. 1.
“If he builds on his Calder Trophy-winning season, it’ll be a mega deal, possible exceeding Dobson’s $9.5 million AAV,” Rosen wrote.
Lane Hutson is part of a younger Canadiens protection with Kaiden Guhle and David Reinbacher. His growth will make him a key participant for Montreal’s future.
Edited by Bhargav