Hockey

Luke Hughes contract: Lane Hutson now has a basis for negotiation
Charles-Alexis Brisebois
Luke Hughes contract: Lane Hutson now has a basis for negotiation
Credit: Getty Images

63 million: that's how much the Devils will pay Luke Hughes over the next seven years. The Devils' excellent defenseman, who was in a contract dispute with his club, has finally agreed on the terms of a contract worth $9 million a year.And right now, he's earning more a year than his brothers… until Quinn breaks the bank in New Jersey, that is?

For a long time, Pat Brisson wanted a six-year deal, but the amount for the Devils and the player was just too different. But over seven years, it worked out better.

Of necessity, one wonders what this means for Lane Hutson, who will eventually be called upon to sign a big contract too. And like Hughes, his next contract will be signed for his third full season in the show.But there are differences (besides offensive production, guy size and all the elements on the ice) between the two guys. 1. Lane Hutson has one year left on his contract, and his (upcoming) deal won't take effect until 2026. He's had less of a chance to prove himself… but in 2026, the ceiling will go up again. 2. The Devils were managing a guy without a contract and the start of the season was coming up. There was a sense of urgency in New Jersey that doesn't currently exist in Montreal.

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But even so, the consensus is that Hutson will tell Kent Hughes that Luke Hughes earns $9 million and has averaged quite a few more points per season than Hutson.Hughes had 47 and 44 points from 2023 to 2025.If Hutson wants more money than his New Jersey counterpart, there's probably a path to a golden bridge. But the question is, when would such a contract be signed? To be continued, then.

'Overtime'

– A partial no-trade clause for Hughes.

– Indeed.

– Well done.

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