Elliotte Friedman Reports Canadiens Exploring Massive Long-Term Extension for Lane Hutson
According to Elliotte Friedman on the podcast 32 Thoughts, the Montreal Canadiens and Lane Hutson's camp have reportedly begun talks on a long-term extension.
Friedman, who is pretty much always the first insider to break this kind of news, indicated that the Canadiens would be aiming for an 8-year commitment with an annual value around $9 million per year.
Such a contract would place Hutson directly among the highest-paid defensemen in the NHL, but would be slightly lower than what some experts had predicted for several months.
Lane Hutson and the Montreal Canadiens advance in historic negotiations
Elliotte Friedman explained on his podcast:
"I believe the Canadiens are discussing with Lane Hutson's camp an eight-year extension with an average value of around $9 million."
Shortly after, analyst Marco D'Amico confirmed that this figure was indeed the starting point for discussions:
"Yep, that number has always been where the threshold began for legitimate discussions.
Now it's a question of trying to get the finer tune laid out, such as contract structure and whatnot to keep it as close to 9M as possible."
- Marco D'Amico
Now it's a question of trying to get the finer tune laid out, such as contract structure and whatnot to keep it as close to 9M as possible."
- Marco D'Amico
For fans, I believe this would be the ideal scenario. Of course, it's a big contract, but being able to secure Hutson for 8 years would be incredible. And who knows, in 5-6 years, this contract could look like a bargain (like Suzuki's, for example).
It's clear that the New Jersey Devils' 7-year, $9 million-per-season deal for Luke Hughes has set something of a benchmark for Hutson and his camp.
Seeing Hutson tied to the Canadiens for eight seasons would reassure many fans who feared losing him too soon.
TRENDING NOW
