Lane Hutson’s Next Contract Could Shatter Canadiens Salary Chart

Lane Hutsons Next Contract Could Shatter Canadiens Salary Chart originally appeared on Athlon Sports.Lane Hutsons breakout rookie campaign earned him the NHLs Calder Trophy award as the rookie of the year in 2024-25.

Now, it might earn him one of the biggest contracts in Montreal Canadiens history.According to NHL insider Elliotte Friedman, the Canadiens are likely to structure Hutsons next contract closer to the eight-year, $76 million deal recently given to defenseman Noah Dobson after trading for him earlier in the offseason.Lane Hutson's Next Contract Could Top All Canadiens DealsBefore he claimed the Calder Trophy as the best rookie in the league, Hutson was expected to sign a new deal around Nick Suzukis $63 million total value.Friedman, however, pointed toward the rising salary cap as the main reason for Hutson's higher-value deal, one that could reset the market for young defensemen.32 Thoughts Mid-Summer Check-in -- featuring Nashville's Spencer Stastney.Stastney, who missed the beginning of last season, is telling his story to help others.

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Elliotte Friedman (@FriedgeHNIC) August 3, 2025I think the cap going up, the market is getting reset, Friedman said.

Initially the Canadiens probably wanted him under Nick Suzuki, and now you look at the deal Noah Dobson signed if Hutson is going to sign for term, its probably going to be up closer to Dobson.From Rookie Sensation to Imminent SuperstarHutson, 21, led all NHL rookies in scoring last season with 66 points, including 60 assists.

He also logged significant minutes for Montreal in the postseason, averaging nearly 25 minutes of ice time while adding five points in five playoff games.Despite appearing in just two NHL games the season before, his first in the league, Hutson wasted no time making an impact in his first full campaign with the Canadiens.Montreal Canadiens goalie Sam Montembeault (35) and teammate defenseman Lane Hutson (48) celebrate a win.Eric Bolte-Imagn ImagesUltimately, Hutson finished the season having earned a top-pairing role and placed third (66 points) in team scoring only behind forwards Suzuki (89) and Cole Caufield (70).Currently, Hutson carries a $950,000 cap hit through the 202526 season under his entry-level contract.

He will be a restricted free agent next July.Why Lane Hutson's Next Contract Could Reshape Montreals BlueprintDan Rosen of NHL.com projected that Hutson could reset the market entirely for young players at his position once he signs his next contract with Montreal.If he builds on his Calder Trophy-winning season, itll be a mega deal, likely exceeding Noah Dobsons $9.5 million AAV, Rosen wrote.If Rosen's and Friedmans prediction holds, Hutsons next deal would make him the Canadiens highest-paid defenseman and possibly their highest-paid player.Dobsons $9.5 million AAV currently tops Montreals salary chart, followed by Patrik Laine at $8.7 million.The Canadiens blue line has been rebuilt around young talent, including Dobson, Hutson, Kaiden Guhle, Jayden Struble and 2022 top pick David Reinbacher, who is expected to join the NHL roster next season, all of them 25 years old or younger.Related: Canadiens' Lane Hutson Predicted to Reset Market for Young DefensemenRelated: Canadiens Trade of Key Forward 'Pretty Unlikely' for Now, per AnalystThis story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Aug 4, 2025, where it first appeared..

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