The Montreal Canadiens have secured the services of Lane Hutson, the NHL’s top 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 until 2033-34. Hailing from Michigan, the 21-year-old was drafted in the second round of the 2022 draft after his college career at Boston University.
During his debut NHL season, Hutson made a significant impact by setting a new franchise record for rookie points with 66 and also equaled the franchise’s assist record with 60. He led all rookies in total points, power-play points with 26, and averaged an impressive 22 minutes and 44 seconds of ice time across 82 games.
Hutson’s contributions were instrumental in the Canadiens’ return to the playoffs last season after a four-year absence. He joined a select group of Canadiens players by winning the Calder Trophy, becoming the seventh player in the team’s history to receive the award and the first since goalie Ken Dryden in the 1971-72 season.