The Montreal Canadiens have secured the services of Lane Hutson, the NHL’s standout rookie from last season, by signing him to an eight-year contract extension worth $70.8 million US. The extension will come into effect starting the 2026-27 season, following the expiration of Hutson’s rookie contract, and will run through 2033-34. Hailing from Michigan, the 21-year-old Hutson was drafted in the second round of the 2022 draft after his collegiate career at Boston University.
During his debut full NHL season, Hutson made a significant impact by breaking the franchise’s single-season rookie record with 66 points and equalling the team’s assist record with 60. Not only did he lead all rookies in total points, but he also excelled in power-play points with 26 and maintained an impressive average ice time of 22 minutes and 44 seconds across 82 games.
Hutson’s contributions were instrumental in the Canadiens’ resurgence, as he played a key role in propelling the young team to the playoffs for the first time in four years. His outstanding performance earned him the prestigious Calder Trophy, making him the seventh player in Canadiens’ history and the first since goalie Ken Dryden in 1971-72 to receive this honor.
