Lane Hutson delivered an impressive debut season with the Montreal Canadiens, tallying 66 points, including 60 assists, while logging significant ice time and showcasing poise with the puck. Due to his standout performance, early discussions about his next contract have begun.
NHL analyst Dan Rosen highlighted in Wednesday’s Mailbag that Hutson could command a highly lucrative deal if he continues on his current trajectory, especially in comparison to Noah Dobson’s existing contract.
“Hutson will need a new contract after this season too, and if he builds on his Calder Trophy-winning season it’ll be a mega deal, likely exceeding Dobson’s $9.5 million AAV,” Rotsen wrote, via NHL.com.
Currently, Hutson is signed to a three-year contract with a $950,000 cap hit that expires after the 2025-26 season. Should his development maintain this pace, the Canadiens will likely have to present him with a substantially larger offer.
Comparing Contracts: Noah Dobson’s Impact and Commitment
Noah Dobson, who joined Montreal from the New York Islanders last June, secured a significant eight-year, $76 million contract. The defenseman described signing with the Canadiens as an obvious choice and expressed admiration for the club’s supporters and its future prospects.
“Just the opportunity to be part of the Montreal Canadiens, it’s an honor,” Dobson said, via NHL.com. “The fans are incredible. I love playing at the Bell Centre and the talent they have on that team.”
Rosen explained that Montreal is structuring its defense around Hutson, Kaiden Guhle, Dobson, and David Reinbacher. The 2024-25 season saw the Canadiens improve to 91 points, with Hutson playing a key role in keeping the team competitive.
Hutson’s Playoff Performance Demonstrates Potential and Growth
In the recent playoffs, Hutson contributed five assists over five games and averaged about 25 minutes on ice per game. He was active on the power play with three assists and showed he could handle high-pressure moments despite not scoring and finishing with a minus-5 rating. His smart decision-making stood out throughout the series.
While Dobson brings six seasons of NHL experience and 231 career points, Hutson remains early in his career but is charting a promising path forward. If his progression continues, his forthcoming contract could establish a new standard for young defensemen in the league.
Expert Insight: Tony Marinaro Predicts a Record-Breaking Deal
Podcaster Tony Marinaro weighed in on Hutson’s prospective contract, anticipating that Hutson’s agent will seek a figure exceeding Noah Dobson’s $9.5 million average annual value. Marinaro noted that Hutson has already won the Calder Trophy and advanced quicker than Dobson did in his early career.
“The ceiling is going to go up,” Marinaro said on Friday, via “The Sick Podcast.”
However, Marinaro does not foresee Hutson surpassing the $10.5 million cap hit of Carey Price, acknowledging that the Canadiens must balance salary cap space to retain other promising young talent.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Montreal’s Defensive Core
As the Canadiens focus on building around core defensemen including Lane Hutson, Kaiden Guhle, Dobson, and David Reinbacher, the outlook is optimistic for the team’s defensive stability. Hutson’s emerging role and potential contract could significantly influence Montreal’s salary cap decisions and roster strategy moving forward.
His progress represents an exciting development for the franchise and its fans, signaling a hopeful future strengthened by young, capable players ready to lead on the ice.