Contract Extension for Lane Hutson
A potential contract extension for Lane Hutson, last season’s Rookie of the Year, seems to be just around the corner, according to Jonathan Bernier from Journal de Montreal. This insight comes after Hutson’s agent, Ryan Barnes, was spotted in the press gallery at Little Caesars Arena during the Montreal Canadiens‘ matchup against the Detroit Red Wings on Thursday night. Given that Barnes resides in Detroit, his presence with Canadiens’ GM Kent Hughes suggests positive developments for Hutson’s future with the team.
Contract Negotiations
Bernier noted that Hughes had a busy morning discussing contracts in Detroit, hinting at the excitement surrounding Hutson’s new deal. He speculates that the average annual value of Hutson’s extension might resemble those of other recent signings, such as Luke Hughes and Jackson Lacombe. Hughes, known for locking up key players like Cole Caufield and Juraj Slafkovsky with lengthy contracts, is expected to aim for a maximum-term arrangement for Hutson, although his other player, Kaiden Guhle, signed a shorter six-year contract due to injury concerns.
Current Performance
While Hutson has been known for his diligent work ethic—being the first to arrive and the last to leave practice—his current performance this season has raised some eyebrows. After two games without a point and a minus-one rating, he has yet to show the same flair as in his rookie year. In the Canadiens’ opening game against the Toronto Maple Leafs, Hutson took responsibility for the game-winning goal scored by Morgan Rielly, despite the fact that both Canadiens defensemen had lost their sticks during the play.
Impact of Contract Talks
There seems to be a stark contrast between Hutson’s usual scoring ability and his current performance, particularly during power plays where he usually excels. Playing alongside skilled teammates like Zack Bolduc, who has already made a name for himself as a scorer, should ideally help Hutson’s game. However, the ongoing contract discussions could be weighing on his mind, even if players like Hutson often claim to focus only on the ice.
Conclusion
As the negotiation process unfolds, it’s natural for a young player to be concerned about how contract talks might affect team dynamics and perceptions. Coming into a situation where GM Hughes has consistently made savvy, team-friendly deals does add pressure, but Hutson’s consistent effort displays his desire to contribute. Concluding negotiations swiftly would benefit both the Canadiens and Hutson. Hughes appears focused on keeping Hutson’s cap hit at or below that of Noah Dobson, as Hutson’s performance this season suggests he has the potential to be a top-tier defenseman. If Hutson secures an eight-year deal, it would position him for unrestricted free agency at a crucial point in his career, making it vital for both parties to find common ground soon.
