Montreal Canadiens fans are watching closely after Luke Hughes secured a seven-year, $63 million contract extension with the New Jersey Devils.
The deal, finalized after weeks of speculation, locks in the young defenseman at $9 million annually and is already sparking conversations about what it could mean for another player’s future in Montreal.
Montreal Canadiens Fans React After Luke Hughes’ $63 Million Contract Extension
The ripple effect from Hughes’ contract isn’t confined to New Jersey. It feeds into a broader market trend for young defensemen, a group that already includes stars like Lane Hutson.
On social media, Canadiens fans immediately connected Hughes’ extension to what might be coming for Hutson. Some pointed out that Montreal GM Kent Hughes now has no excuse to wait.
“Now that Luke Hughes is done, Kent can get down to business to extending Lane Hutson,” one fan wrote, reflecting the growing impatience around the situation.
Now that’s Luke Hughes is done, Kent can get down to buisness to extending Lane Hutson https://t.co/PiYNi5Lyc4
— Malyssa (@23MAlyssa) October 1, 2025
Others speculated about the financial side of things, suggesting Hutson’s deal could mirror Hughes’ structure. “8×10 for Lane Hutson coming up,” another post read, predicting an eight-year term at a slightly higher salary.
8×10 for Lane Hutson coming up https://t.co/goalunUYsh
— Phylippe Bernard (@PhylBernard) October 1, 2025
The overall mood was one of excitement, with supporters convinced Hutson is about to cash in. “Lane Hutson will be a very rich man,” a comment noted.
Lane Hutson will be a very rich man https://t.co/mB6M6slaKl
— Nathaniel (@NorthernLeafs73) October 1, 2025
Another added, “Ooooo this is good news for Lane,” tying Hughes’ $63 million extension directly to Montreal’s young defenseman.
Ooooo this is good news for Lane https://t.co/psi7eqkRVy
— Preseason Bren (@brenmidov) October 1, 2025
Some fans even pushed the number higher. “Lane Hutson might get $11 million,” one tweet read, underscoring the belief that Hughes’ $9 million AAV might only be the floor for what Hutson can command.
Lane Hutson might get $11 million https://t.co/avXDWwbrkE
— Juliano (@Bruinshky73) October 1, 2025
The reaction highlights the belief that Hughes’ contract sets a new bar, and Hutson’s next deal could fall in the same ballpark — or even higher.
For context, Hughes posted 47 and 44 points over his last two seasons. Hutson, meanwhile, just capped off a standout rookie campaign that earned him the Calder Trophy. While the Canadiens don’t face the same urgency as the Devils, since Hutson still has a year left on his entry-level deal, the parallels are hard to ignore.
Comparing Hutson’s Case to Hughes
Unlike Hughes, who entered negotiations without a contract in place as the season neared, Hutson has more time. His deal would only kick in for the 2026 season. Still, Montreal’s management knows leverage matters, and Hutson’s camp will likely point to Hughes’ $9 million figure as a baseline.
The Canadiens must also weigh long-term cap flexibility. If Hutson pushes for an eight-year contract at $10 million or more, Montreal has to balance rewarding his talent with keeping room to build around him. The Canadiens don’t want to risk overpaying, but they also can’t afford to undervalue one of their brightest young stars.
Reports suggest Hutson is comfortable waiting, allowing the Canadiens to see how the market evolves. Some around the league believe he could even take a small discount to remain in Montreal long term. But if Hughes is earning $9 million, a deal in the $10-11 million range for Hutson no longer feels unrealistic.
