Canadiens’ Hutson Contract Negotiations Shift Following Dobson Acquisition
A new contract for Montreal Canadiens defenseman Lane Hutson is a top priority for the team’s fanbase, with anticipation building for a long-term agreement that will keep the promising young player in Montreal for years to come. While Hutson still has one year remaining on his entry-level contract, expectations are high that General Manager Kent Hughes will secure a deal this summer, mirroring his success with Juraj Slafkovsky and Kaiden Guhle.
Negotiations have reportedly progressed at a slower pace compared to those with Slafkovsky and Guhle, a development likely tied to the Canadiens’ acquisition of Noah Dobson and the subsequent impact on the team’s salary structure. Initially, the organization reportedly aimed to sign Hutson to a medium-to-long-term contract with an annual value below that of captain Nick Suzuki, currently at $8.875 million.
However, the arrival of Dobson has fundamentally altered those plans, establishing a new benchmark for Hutson’s potential earnings, according to insights from hockey analyst Elliotte Friedman. Friedman explained in a recent episode of his “32 Thoughts” podcast that Hutson’s long-term contract could now closely mirror Dobson’s eight-year, $9.5 million deal.
This alignment makes logical sense, given Dobson’s projected role as the team’s premier right-handed defenseman and Hutson’s anticipated position as the top left-handed defenseman. As one source noted, the two players are poised to become the Canadiens’ two most valuable blueliners, justifying comparable compensation.
While Dobson’s contract provides several years of stability at age 25, Hutson, who will be 22 when a new contract takes effect, may not be able to secure the same length of term. Nevertheless, a commitment of seven to eight years at a figure slightly below Dobson’s $9.5 million appears increasingly likely. Friedman also highlighted a broader “reset” in the NHL market, driven by a rising salary cap, which is influencing contract negotiations across the league.
Ultimately, the expectation is that Hutson’s next contract will be significantly closer to Dobson’s $9.5 million than Suzuki’s $8.875 million. Many believe an eight-year deal in the $9 million range would be a positive outcome for both the player and the organization.
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