Canadiens sign Lane Hutson to eight-year extension through 2033-34

The Montreal Canadiens signed defenseman Lane Hutson to an eight-year contract extension on Monday, Oct. 13, 2025, locking up the 21-year-old Calder Trophy winner through the 2033-34 season. The deal carries an average annual value of US$8.85 million and takes effect for the 2026-27 season, the team said.

Hutson, who was in the final season of his entry-level contract, earned the extension after a breakout rookie year in which he recorded 66 points in 82 games, including six goals and 60 assists. He led all NHL rookies in points and shared the league rookie record for assists by a defenseman, while setting a franchise record for points by a Canadiens rookie blueliner. Hutson also averaged 22 minutes, 44 seconds of ice time per game and was a key component of Montreal’s return to the playoffs last season.

The contract makes Hutson the second-highest paid Canadiens player by cap hit for next season, behind Noah Dobson, whose eight-year deal carries a US$9.5 million average annual value. Hutson’s AAV is below Dobson’s, a move the club framed as maintaining the team’s salary structure while securing a core young player. Hutson was set to become a restricted free agent at the end of...