Lane Hutson is one of the most promising young players on the Montreal Canadiens roster. However, NHL insider Elliotte Friedman believes that Hutson’s next contract might not reach the same level as that of his teammate, Noah Dobson.
Friedman highlighted on Monday that while the Canadiens hold Hutson in high regard, they are not expected to exceed Dobson’s contract value. Hutson is currently on his three-year entry-level contract worth $2.85 million, which runs through the 2025-26 season. He will become a restricted free agent once it expires. According to Friedman, it sounds like, at this time, the Canadiens are positioned so that Hutson’s next contract will not surpass Dobson’s.
Hutson was drafted by Montreal at No. 62 in the 2022 NHL Draft and made a strong impression during his rookie season. The young defenseman recorded six goals and 60 assists for a total of 66 points, ranking him among the top 10 in assists across the league.
Dobson’s path to the Canadiens was quite different. He was selected No. 12 overall by the New York Islanders in 2018 and spent six seasons with them before joining Montreal. Dobson signed an eight-year, $76 million contract in June before being traded to the Canadiens.
Dobson brings valuable experience to Montreal’s blue line. He has played 388 regular-season games and recorded 231 points in his career. His best season came in 2023-24, when he scored 70 points in 79 games.
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### Arpon Basu’s Take on Lane Hutson’s Contract Extension
The Athletic’s Arpon Basu recently discussed how Luke Hughes’ new deal could influence Lane Hutson’s contract negotiations. Hughes signed a seven-year, $63 million deal with the New Jersey Devils worth $9 million per year.
Basu reported that Hughes’ contract provides important context for Hutson’s extension talks but noted that there are multiple factors at play beyond just money. “There are more factors impacting the Hutson negotiation than money,” Basu wrote. “And while the Hughes contract in New Jersey adds context to the discussion, it’s possible we won’t know just how impactful it is for some time yet.”
At 21 years old, Hutson is entering the final year of his rookie contract and will be eligible to sign an extension with the Canadiens. With young defensemen across the NHL, like Hughes, securing higher contract figures, Montreal will need to find a fair and competitive deal for Hutson to keep him part of their future core.
https://www.sportskeeda.com/us/nhl/news-canadiens-lane-hutson-won-t-pass-noah-dobson-s-76-000-000-contract-predicts-nhl-insider
