Canadiens' Lane Hutson Predicted to Reset Market for Young Defensemen

Canadiens' Lane Hutson Predicted to Reset Market for Young Defensemen originally appeared on Athlon Sports.After a record-setting rookie season, Montreal Canadiens defenseman Lane Hutson is already drawing speculation about a potential contract that could reshape the market for young blueliners.Hutson, 21, earned the 2025 Calder Memorial Trophy as the NHL's best rookie after finishing with 66 points, including 60 assists, in his first full professional season.The Habs defenseman ranked third among Canadiens players in scoring and averaged nearly 25 minutes of ice time in five playoff games, scoring five points.NHL.com analyst Dan Rosen said he believes that if Hutson continues this trajectory, his next deal will place him atop the Canadiens' salary ranks.On Jason Robertson, the Panthers' cap situation, Montreal's 'D' and the Islanders:https://t.co/wybJ8FEHY8 Dan Rosen (@drosennhl) July 23, 2025"Hutson will need a new contract after this season," Rosen wrote.

"If he builds on his Calder Trophy-winning season, itll be a mega deal, likely exceeding Noah Dobsons $9.5 million AAV."The Canadiens acquired Dobson, 25, via trade from the New York Islanders at the end of June and instantly signed him to an eight-year, $76 million contract.

He will carry a $9.5 million annual cap hit for the duration of his deal.Hutson, meanwhile, is signed through 202526 at a modest $950,000 cap hit as part of his entry-level contract with the Canadiens.Montreal Canadiens defenseman Lane Hutson (48) considers his options with the puck.David Kirouac-Imagn ImagesIf Rosen's predictions turn into a reality, then Hutson's next deal would reshape the Canadiens cap structure.Dobson is the highest-paid player on the Canadiens roster, with forward Patrik Laine's $8.7 million cap hit the closest to Dobson's $9.5 million figure.Montreals blue line is built under a core featuring Hutson, Dobson, Kaiden Guhle, Jayden Struble and yet-to-debut David Reinbacher, all of them 25 or younger.Related: Insider Says Flames' Nazem Kadri May Be Willing to Lift No-Move Clause for Maple Leafs' Biggest RivalRelated: Sidney Crosby-to-Canadiens Speculation Grows Because of ESPN InsiderThis story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 27, 2025, where it first appeared..

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