Imagine a rookie defenseman shattering records and dominating the ice like no other in recent memory. That's exactly what Lane Hutson did in his debut season with the Montreal Canadiens, and now, the team is rewarding him with a massive eight-year, $70.8 million contract extension. But here's where it gets controversial—is this deal a bold move to secure a future superstar, or a risky bet on a player who’s only just begun his NHL journey? Let’s dive in.
On Monday, Canadiens general manager Kent Hughes announced the blockbuster deal, locking in Hutson through the 2033-34 season with an average annual salary of $8.85 million. This commitment comes on the heels of a historic 2024-25 campaign where Hutson not only led all NHL rookies in points (66), assists (60), power play points (26), and average ice time (22:44) but also became the first rookie defenseman since 2019-20 to top his class in scoring. And this is the part most people miss—his 60 assists tied the NHL’s all-time record for assists by a rookie defenseman, set by Larry Murphy in 1980-81.
Hutson’s impact wasn’t just about numbers. He set a new Canadiens franchise record for points by a rookie defenseman and became the seventh player in team history—and the first since Ken Dryden in 1971-72—to win the Calder Memorial Trophy, awarded to the league’s top rookie. Drafted in the second round (62nd overall) in 2022, Hutson’s meteoric rise has been nothing short of remarkable.
Here’s the bold question: Is Hutson the next great NHL defenseman, or is this contract a gamble on unproven long-term potential? While his rookie season was undeniably impressive, sustaining this level of play over eight years is no small feat. Critics might argue that the Canadiens are betting big on a player who’s only scratched the surface of his career. Supporters, however, see a generational talent worth securing early.
What do you think? Is this deal a masterstroke or a risky move? Let us know in the comments—this is one debate that’s sure to spark passionate opinions on both sides.
