
Hughes also inherited Nick Suzuki’s (eight years) contract, which was signed by Marc Bergevin.
The Suzuki contract has always been a benchmark for Kent Hughes in his negotiations. Because aside from Patrik Laine, who already had a cap hit of $8.7 million, no contract has been offered by the current GM above Suzuki’s.
All this to say that one day, there will likely be a player who will earn more than the $7.875 million per year that the captain earns thanks to Kent Hughes. The name Ivan Demidov comes to mind…
But in the short term, it’s mainly Lane Hutson’s name that stands out to me. And Pierre McGuire too…
Pierre McGuire believes the #GoHabsGo should not waste any time in giving Lane Hutson a contract extension…
«I would pay the player 8 years… I’m not even wasting time on a bridge with him. Star player!»#thesickpodcast @MurphysLaw74 pic.twitter.com/jbixWmnrl3
— The Sick Podcast – The Eye Test (@sickpodnhl) January 16, 2025
Because Lane Hutson plays in a prime position, performs excellently on the ice, is young, has only begun to tap into his potential, the salary cap is set to increase, the Habs like him, and he’s one of the best point producers, he will have a big contract.
If Slaf had one after a good half-season, Hutson can have one after a good full season, right? Even if he’s not a first overall pick…
Lane Hutson was the 4th player drafted by the @CanadiensMTL in 2022.
1. Juraj Slafkovsky
2. Filip Mesar
3. Owen Beck
4. Lane HutsonIt’s crazy when you think back on it.
— Maxime Truman (@MaximeTruman) January 16, 2025
This must occupy the GM’s thoughts.
It’s worth noting that Hutson, by playing two games last April, burned the first year of his entry-level contract in 2023-2024. He is now in his second year of three on his contract this season.
And if he signs, it surely won’t be at a low price. After all, he is so special…
Lane Hutson is causing quite a stir across the NHL!
pic.twitter.com/kRwem0BPG5
— BPM Sports (@BPMSportsRadio) January 16, 2025
Let’s remember that this season, Mike Matheson ($4.875 million until 2026), Alexandre Carrier ($3.75 million until 2027), and David Savard ($3.5 million until 2025) are the highest-paid defensemen on the Habs.
Next year, Savard will be gone, and Kaiden Guhle ($5.55 million until 2031) will be the highest-paid defenseman on the team – assuming nothing changes, of course.
in brief
– John Tavares is injured.
Tavares out at least a week after practice injury from yesterday https://t.co/4C641r7imN
— Elliotte Friedman (@FriedgeHNIC) January 16, 2025
– Robert Saleh in Dallas would be… something.
The Cowboys have an interview with former Jets coach Robert Saleh scheduled for later in the week, a source said.
The team has requested to speak with Seattle assistant head coach Leslie Frazier, according to multiple sources. Frazier was Minn. head coach, plus a long-time DC.
— Todd Archer (@toddarcher) January 16, 2025
– I like it.
Some more looks… https://t.co/5ErsHyerKC pic.twitter.com/pASr20PSGB
— David Pagnotta (@TheFourthPeriod) January 16, 2025
– Things are stirring in Toronto.
It’s not easy in Toronto right now. https://t.co/tjeMlrVwO6
— Passion MLB (@passion_mlb) January 16, 2025