Lane Hutson signed the biggest contract in history for a player in his position

Today's signing of Lane Hutson represents a (very) good move for the Habs, according to many. The club has secured the services of one of the league's best defensemen through 2034 and will pay him less than $9 million a year in a market where the salary cap is skyrocketing.So on many levels, it makes sense to be excited about all this in Montreal.And as we know, the defender left money on the table. It's part of the city's culture as his agent explainsand we know he turned down a better offer from the Habs. But actually, it's still a good change for a defender. And although he signed on the cheap, you need to be careful before you call it stealbecause, as Nicolas Cloutier said(TVA Sport) notes that this is still a record contract for a player in the position of defender.

Exclusive:

Lane Hutson's agent Sean Coffey reflects on negotiations with the Canadiens.

What broke the deadlock in negotiations, Hutson's priorities, how Montreal is changing the game with players and the historical nature of the contract https://t.co/Em9muFAlJq –Nicolas Cloutier (@NCloutierTVA) October 13, 2025

It's worth remembering that Hutson, unlike other young players, was going to be 10.2(c) restricted free agent. INspecific conditions, so the Hubs had All levers of influence in the world. And all this is due to the fact that during his first year in the NHL, the defenseman played less than 10 games.So a $70.8 million contract is unheard of for a 10.2(c) player signing his second contract with the Bettman Network. And in terms of signing bonuses, the situation is even more impressive: Hutson's $55 million 27.5 times more than Luke Hughes (who found himself in the same situation), who only received $2 million in signing bonuses.Usually this Very It's rare to see these players receive large signing bonuses. Hutson's $55 million isn't unusual… and that's the benefit of having Jeff Molson as an owner in town: He's open to the kind of contracts that owners typically don't like (or can't afford).So, from the point of view hitting the cap (and this is an important number for a fan), the contract looks like a good deal… and it would be dishonest to say otherwise. But even so, the defender's agents made sure to get him a very attractive contract, which is actually a record for a player in a defender situation.Yes, and Ivan Demidov will also be in the lineup in the same way. the same situation at the end of his current contract, hehe.

'After a while'

– Really. And for those wondering, he won't be a 10.2(c) free agent next summer.

“Beyond Expectations” – Guy Carbonneau pic.twitter.com/2nbgEKhOfz

– L'Antichambre (@Antichambre) October 14, 2025

– Tough loss for the Blue Jays.

The Blue Jays will need to win at least two games in Seattle to survive. https://t.co/vryLVqniS1

– Passion MLB (@passion_mlb) October 14, 2025

– Interesting.

Chris Johnston: As for Martin Necas: He's comfortable letting it play out a little bit; doesn't seem to be as active as the conversation going on around it – The Chris Johnston Show (10/13)

– NHL Rumors Report (@NHLRumourReport) October 14, 2025