Lane Hutson is heading into the final year of his entry-level contract, and while there’s technically no urgency to get an extension done, the Montreal Canadiens should act now. After an impressive rookie season that won him the Calder Trophy, Hutson has quickly cemented himself as one of the NHL’s brightest young defensemen. For a team looking to solidify its core for the long term, locking him up now could save the Canadiens millions in the future and ensure their blue line remains one of the best in the league for years to come.
Hutson’s Value is Only Going to Rise
The cost for elite, young defensemen is rising, and recent contracts prove it. This summer alone, the Edmonton Oilers signed Evan Bouchard to a four-year deal worth $10.5 million annually. Ivan Provorov landed $8.5 million per year with the Columbus Blue Jackets, and K’Andre Miller signed for $7.5 million per year with the Carolina Hurricanes. These are big numbers for high-end blueliners, and they’re setting the tone for what’s to come.
If the Canadiens decide to wait, there’s every chance the market will continue to climb before Hutson’s deal expires. Dallas Stars defenseman Thomas Harley is due for an extension soon, and given his trajectory, his contract could be another market-setter. If Harley signs big, it would push the price for players like Hutson even further north.
Right now, the Canadiens have a rare opportunity; they can dictate the market instead of reacting to it. If they sign Hutson before other young defensemen ink their massive deals, they could lock him in at a number that will look like a bargain in just a few years.
Make no mistake, Hutson’s value is only going to rise. His offensive upside, mobility, and creativity already place him among the most dynamic defensemen in the NHL. Add in the fact that he’s only 21 years old, and it’s easy to see how a few more seasons could push his contract into the stratosphere.
Hutson Still Under Team Control
Hutson will be a restricted free agent (RFA) when his deal ends, meaning the Canadiens have control. The team could easily play the waiting game and see how his sophomore season unfolds before making a decision.
In his rookie season, he was already playing big minutes and producing offensively in a way few defensemen can. With the arrival of Noah Dobson (from the New York Islanders) and a more…
Click Here to Read the Full Original Article at The Hockey Writers…