A Big Clue About Lane Hutson's Possible Future Contract Just Emerged
The New Jersey Devils made a big move by announcing a 7-year deal worth $9 million per season with Luke Hughes.
A very young defenseman who was just coming out of his entry-level NHL contract, and comparisons with Lane Hutson can already be made.
This new signing completely changes the rookie defenseman market, and the consequences could be direct for the Montreal Canadiens and their young star defenseman, Lane Hutson.
According to several observers, the Hutson camp will inevitably use this contract as a reference in its discussions with Montreal. It's not a surprise, but it could speed things up much faster than expected.
As Marco D'Amico explained:
"Luke Hughes has now set the market for defensemen coming out of their ELC with his 7-year, 9M deal.
Lane Hutson's camp will bring this to the Montreal Canadiens, with good reason.
Though, the Canadiens aren't in as dire a situation as the Devils were.
Leverage is key."
- Marco D'Amico
Lane Hutson's camp will bring this to the Montreal Canadiens, with good reason.
Though, the Canadiens aren't in as dire a situation as the Devils were.
Leverage is key."
- Marco D'Amico
This means Kent Hughes will have to juggle with this new reality, even if the Canadiens' cap-friendly situation is quite different from that of the Devils.
I therefore think the Habs have more flexibility, but also less urgency to sign at all costs right away.
For his part, Renaud Lavoie reminded that New Jersey wanted to settle the Hughes case quickly to have him play at least one preseason game.
"As mentioned during Sunday's game, the NJDevils
were absolutely determined for Luke Hughes to sign a deal this week so he could play at least one preseason game. The matter is now settled."
- Renaud Lavoie
were absolutely determined for Luke Hughes to sign a deal this week so he could play at least one preseason game. The matter is now settled."
- Renaud Lavoie
It's clear that this Devils signing gives Lane Hutson and his camp a much stronger negotiating position.
Personally, I believe the Canadiens must be cautious and not overpay too quickly, but it would be risky to let this case drag on and create uncertainty around Hutson.
And to be honest, I think it will be very difficult to avoid a major contract that could closely resemble the one signed by Luke Hughes.
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