It is a big day in Montreal! The Montreal Canadiens have handed 21-year-old defenseman Lane Hutson a generous, eight-year, $70.8 million contract extension. Hutson will pocket an average annual salary of $8.85 million.
Kent Hughes’ splurge on the 21-year-old has triggered adequate discourse on social media. Most fans believe the contract is worth every dollar, but some believe it’s an overpay nonetheless. Either way, there is a lot of noise.
What are Montreal Canadiens Fans Saying About Lane Hutson’s Massive Payday?
It has not been long since Hutson has been a part of the Habs lineup, but he has already made quite a name for himself. The defenseman accumulated 66 points in 82 regular-season games with the Canadiens last season, and at 21, he is just getting started.
The Canadiens offered the defenseman a contract extension not long after the team emerged 3-2 victorious against the Chicago Blackhawks.
The Canadiens have agreed to terms on an eight-year contract extension (2026-27 to 2033-34) with defenseman Lane Hutson.
News release ↓ #GoHabsGo https://t.co/QlsTMalOwd
— Canadiens Montréal (@CanadiensMTL) October 13, 2025
One social media user applauded the deal’s bargain, stating that they had speculated the contract to have an average annual value of more than $10 million. “Almost 2m less than I expected. Thought for sure he was getting 10.5. Lol What a great signing. Hughes and Gorton cookin’.”
Another X user echoed the same view, commenting that the deal will turn out to be a bigger win in the long term. “Great job, I was expecting something between 9.5 to 10.25, 8 years, 3 or 4 years in this will be an even bigger steal.”
Yet another Habs fan toyed with the idea that perhaps Hutson was worth more and decided to give Montreal a hometown discount. “You better worship the ground this kid walks on for this contract!! Kid deserves this and much more. I know this kid took a pay cut to stay here. For that….he has my respect!!! True #HabsBeast.”
You better worship the ground this kid walks on for this contract!! Kid deserves this and much more. I know this kid took a pay cut to stay here. For that….he has my respect!!! True #HabsBeast
— Scott R. Morse (@Habs_Scooter) October 13, 2025
Many Canadiens fans had expected a bigger payday for Hutson. They could not help but appreciate GM Hughes for retaining the defenseman in Montreal by signing a relatively cap-friendly deal. “STEALLLLLLLLLLLLLL . Give the keys to the city to Gordon and Kent immediately.”
However, a few voices stood out in the comment section that believed the Canadiens overpaid to retain the defenseman. “For a Dman who doesn’t play D! Holy overpay!,” commented one. While another simply stated, “Oof that’s an overpay,” and gave no further explanation.
While the contract extension has generated considerable controversy, the consensus seems to be that Hughes did an admirable job executing a team- and cap-friendly deal to retain one of the Habs’ most essential players and keep the team’s playoff aspirations alive.
