Luke Hughes's recent contract extension with the New Jersey Devils has significant implications for the upcoming negotiations with Montreal Canadiens prospect Lane Hutson. Hughes, a highly touted defenseman, signed a seven-year, $63 million contract with an average annual value (AAV) of $9 million. This deal, announced on Wednesday, October 1, 2025, ties him with Dougie Hamilton as the highest-paid player on the Devils and keeps him with the team through his prime years.
The details of Hughes' contract, particularly the term and AAV, are expected to serve as a benchmark for Hutson's next contract. Hutson, a promising young defenseman for the Canadiens, is due for a new deal, and Montreal's management is closely watching how other young stars, like Hughes, are valued before making a long-term commitment.
Lane Hutson, who is 21 years old, is currently playing under a 3-year, $2,850,000 contract with the Montreal Canadiens. His contract has a cap hit of $950,000 per season and expires at the end of the 2025-26 season, after which he will become a Restricted Free Agent. In his rookie year, Hutson recorded 6 goals and 60 assists in 82 games.
Several factors contribute to the Canadiens' strategic approach. The team is evaluating league-wide trends in contracts for young defensemen and also possible changes to the Collective Bargaining Agreement in 2026, which could impact bonus structures.
According to NHL insider Marco D'Amico, the Hughes contract will set the tone for Hutson's negotiations. If Hughes signed for an eight-year term, Montreal would have a clearer idea of the appropriate AAV for Hutson. Conversely, a shorter term for Hughes could lead the Canadiens to consider a similar approach or adjust the AAV downward.
While some reports suggest that Hutson's camp rejected an initial offer from the Canadiens earlier in the summer, the situation is not necessarily cause for concern. Kent Hughes, the Canadiens' general manager, is known to be a shrewd negotiator who values maintaining a consistent salary structure within the team.
Ultimately, the contract talks between the Canadiens and Lane Hutson will likely hinge on finding a balance between Hutson's value and the team's overall salary cap management.
