Luke Hughes’s new contract may play a task in defenseman Lane Hutson’s contract negotiations with the nhl/montreal-canadiens” goal=”_blank” rel=”noopener noreferrer” data-is-sponsored=”false”>Montreal Canadiens. Hughes signed a seven-year, $63 million contract with the New Jersey Devils on Wednesday. The deal has a mean annual worth of $9 million.
Insider Arpon Basu and Pierre LeBrun of The Athletic talked about Luke’s new contract and its implications for defenseman Lane Hutson’s extension. Hutson can be getting into the final season of his rookie contract.
Basu wrote that Hughes’ deal offers helpful context. He believes that it might take time to see the complete impression.
“There are extra elements impacting the Hutson negotiation than cash,” Basu wrote. “And whereas the Hughes contract in New Jersey provides context to the dialogue, it’s attainable we gained’t know simply how impactful it’s for a while but.”
Hughes, 22, recorded 44 factors in 71 regular-season video games final yr, whereas Hutson, 21, gained the Calder Trophy following a rookie season with 66 factors. He scored six objectives and 60 factors and ended the season with a -2 defensive score, which was higher than Luke’s -9 score.
Pierre LeBrun commented on the state of affairs.
“Everybody concerned within the Hutson negotiations has been very tight-lipped about how issues have performed out up to now, however I imagine the Canadiens have been aggressive of their method up to now,” LeBrun stated.
Hutson’s subsequent contract goes to be a serious focus for Montreal, as his sturdy rookie season and Hughes’ deal have set a normal. Elite younger defensemen are commanding excessive salaries throughout the NHL. So, the Canadiens might want to stability long-term worth with workforce priorities.
Insiders on defenseman Lane Hutson’s future contract
Lane Hutson’s rookie contract with the Montreal Canadiens ends in 2026. He will likely be a restricted free agent after the 2025-26 season.
NHL analyst Jimmy Murphy spoke concerning the state of affairs on The Sick Podcast with Tony Marinaro in August.
“I do not know once they do it, however I feel it is of their again pocket, and Hudson is aware of that the workforce is aware of it is simply understood,” Murphy stated.
Murphy additionally stated that one other sturdy season may improve Hutson’s value. If Hutson produces once more, the Canadiens might want to pay extra. NHL.com analyst Dan Rosen shared an identical view on Aug. 1.
“If he builds on his Calder Trophy-winning season, it’ll be a mega deal, seemingly exceeding Dobson’s $9.5 million AAV,” Rosen wrote.
Lane Hutson is part of a younger Canadiens protection with Kaiden Guhle and David Reinbacher. His improvement will make him a key participant for Montreal’s future.
Edited by Bhargav