The Montreal Canadiens are at a critical juncture, and the name on everyone’s lips is Lane Hutson. The young defenseman, who already has a Calder Trophy on his mantle, is the future of the Habs’ blue line, and the front office knows they need to lock him down long-term. The latest buzz, coming from the reliable Elliotte Friedman, is that the Canadiens and Hutson’s camp are deep in contract talks. This isn’t just a simple negotiation; it’s a move that will define the team’s salary cap structure for the next decade.
The High Price of Elite Talent
The benchmark for a young, elite defenseman has been set, and it’s a high one. We’re seeing players like Luke Hughes of the New Jersey Devils and Jackson LaCombe of the Anaheim Ducks signing massive deals in the ballpark of $9 million AAV.
Friedman suggests this is the likely starting point for Hutson, a number that has some of the fanbase sweating. While some rumors have put the potential cost as high as $10 or $11 million, the $9 million figure feels more realistic and would be a major win for Kent Hughes and the Canadiens’ management.
The Urgency to Sign Hutson
The urgency here is palpable. Hutson is coming off his entry-level deal next summer, and while he doesn’t have arbitration rights or the threat of an offer sheet, his price tag is only going to go up. If he has another season like his last, or even takes a step forward and enters the Norris Trophy conversation, we’re looking at a completely different negotiation.
The Canadiens need to get this deal done now to avoid paying a premium later. It’s a delicate dance, but one that will have a massive impact on the team’s future. The Montreal Canadiens are in a great position with Lane Hutson, and a new contract in the range of $9 million AAV would be a fantastic piece of business.
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