Advantages : Lane Hutson will have a greater impact on the Canadiens’ mass in 25-26

Lane Hutson is a good hockey player. Did we already tell you that?

No joke, the young man – who is in his first season in the NHL – has exceeded expectations since his arrival in Montreal.

And that means he will have a greater impact on the Canadiens’ payroll next year, even if it will be the last year of his entry-level contract.

Ultimately, here’s what you need to know.

Hutson will be able to earn bonuses for the season he’s having.

Nicolas Cloutier talked about it in an article: Hutson will earn an additional $250,000 for having at least 25 assists, he will earn another $250,000 because he has at least 40 points… And he “could” earn another $250,000 by finishing the season among the top 4 defensemen used by the Canadiens (which will happen).

Hutson could have earned a maximum of $750,000. And he did:

Let’s recall that at the moment, having Carey Price’s contract on the Canadiens’ books means the team is still at the salary cap maximum.

And that means Kent Hughes is forced to defer bonuses.

For example?

In the last game of the 23-24 season, Juraj Slafkovsky scored his 20th goal of the campaign. This allowed him to earn a $250,000 bonus… Which was deferred to the Canadiens’ payroll this season.

All this to say that Lane Hutson will be able to earn bonuses this season and the amount ($750,000) will count towards the payroll for the 25-26 season – unless Carey Price’s contract is traded.

Same thing for Slaf, who could earn an additional $500,000 if he scores nine more goals (20) and collects 11 more assists (30). He is already virtually guaranteed to earn a $250,000 bonus since he must finish the season among the top six forwards used by the Canadiens.

And it’s the same story for Guhle, who could earn a maximum of $420,000 this season if he is one of the top 4 defensemen used by the Canadiens and if he finishes the season among the top three defensemen on the team in terms of differential.

If Slaf is able to earn his three bonuses, Guhle earns his two bonuses, and we add Lane Hutson’s three bonuses to the equation, the Canadiens could have a total of $1.92 million that will be penalized on the payroll.

This will be something to watch since the season is not over yet.

But in reality, we know that the Canadiens will have AT LEAST $750,000 in penalties due to Lane Hutson.

So much the better, in a way… Because it means the defenseman is doing well right now.

In a hurry

– Will the Canadiens be the best Canadian team in the next five years?

– The Avalanche is undefeated in its last 11 games with Nichushkin in the lineup. [Adrian Dater]

– Logan Stankoven didn’t expect to be traded. [TheHockeyNews]

– Good reading.