With contract extensions being handed out to a lot of big names at the beginning of this NHL season, rumours were swirling that Lane Hutson might have a deal of his own coming. Kent Hughes and the Montreal Canadiens have delivered, as they signed him to an eight-year contract extension.
The deal runs through the 2033-34 season, and will carry an AAV of $8.85 million per season.
As was rumoured to be the case, he comes in under the AAV given to Noah Dobson on his contract extension. Given the rapidly rising salary cap environment, this is some very tidy business for Kent Hughes.
Hutson exploded onto the scene last year with 66 points through 82 games, solidifying his status as a key piece of the future of this team, and earning the Calder Trophy in the process. This deal confirms what we already knew quite well, which is that management considers him a vital part of the rebuilt Montreal Canadiens.
The only question now is how loud the ovation will be when his name is announced at the home opener on Tuesday night.
Hutson was set to be a restricted free agent at the end of this season.
