Update On Lane Hutson's Contract Extension Emerge Weeks Ahead Of Training Camp
Photo credit: Jess Starr / Hockey Writers
An update on Lane Hutson's contract extension with the Montreal Canadiens emerged in a new report from RG.org, a few weeks ahead of the start of training camp.
The 21-year-old defenseman, eligible to sign an extension since July 1, is one of the most closely watched names in Montreal's offseason. Especially with the recent comparisons with Habs legend Guy Lafleur.
With Hutson still under his entry-level contract for another year, the Canadiens hold a strong negotiating position, but they also know locking him up now could secure one of their brightest talents through his prime years.
The recent eight-year, $9.5M AAV deal Noah Dobson signed has fueled speculation, but insiders caution against a direct comparison.
Update on Lane Hutson's Contract From Marco D'Amico
Although many fans and analysts believe Hutson could sign for a salary over $10 million, a source was quoted on RG.org about how RFAs are worth less on the market than UFAs, that it's hard to compare with Noah Dobson's contract, and that Hutson doesn't hold that much leverage over management in the negotiations because he's not eligible for offer sheets:
"Dobson is at a different point in his career than Hutson, not to say one is better than the other. But, in the world of contracts, RFA years are worth substantially less than UFA years, and teams generally have to fork up more money for those years when a player could have tested free agency."
"Hutson doesn't really have a large amount of leverage in this situation, outside of his excellent on-ice play, simply because he is not eligible for any offer sheets, and he doesn't have any arbitration rights either."
"Hutson doesn't really have a large amount of leverage in this situation, outside of his excellent on-ice play, simply because he is not eligible for any offer sheets, and he doesn't have any arbitration rights either."
The same source named Quinn Hughes, Jake Sanderson, and Brock Faber as comparable contracts, but with the rising salary cap, it could change:
"His contract comparable wouldn't be Dobson in this case, it would be more like (Jake) Sanderson or (Brock) Faber or (Quinn) Hughes, who signed long-term deals as RFAs."
The source added that both camps aren't in a rush to make it happen, but all the noise around it will continue until it gets done:
"Both parties are in a good space and there's a good amount of mutual respect, but just very little rush from either party.
You'll hear a lot of noise about it until it's signed, but there's very little to worry about."
You'll hear a lot of noise about it until it's signed, but there's very little to worry about."
In his rookie season, where he won the Calder Trophy, Hutson tied the all-time NHL record for assists scored by a rookie defenseman, with 60. He also scored six goals, ending the season with a 66-point tally.
In the playoffs, he helped his team by scoring five points, all assists, in five games.
Stay tuned for further updates on Lane Hutson's contract.
Previously on HouseOfHockey
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AOUT 15 | 388 ANSWERS Update On Lane Hutson's Contract Extension Emerge Weeks Ahead Of Training Camp Do you think Lane Hutson will be among the Norris Trophy finalists next season? | ||
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