NHL analyst ranks Canadiens $2.85 million rookie among elite defensemen like Makar and Hughes

Montreal Canadiens rookie sensation Lane Hutson is on the track to be one of the next NHL defensemen to score 100 points, TSN analyst Frankie Corrado believes.

In an appearance on TSN's OverDrive on August 25, Corrado explained how Lane Hutson will be on track to hit 100 points, along with other established blue liners like Colorado Avalanche star Cale Makar and Vancouver Canucks skipper Quinn Hughes.

Corrado stated:

“There’s like three guys really. 100 points is a lot but I wouldn’t put it past him. He just had a 66-point rookie season. He’s 5’9 on a good day. Do you know how hard it is to play in the NHL…”

He added:

“I think he’s just scratching the surface. 100 points is a lot for sure, but if anyone is going to do it, it’s probably (Lane Hutson), Cale Makar, Quinn Hughes. Those are the guys that are going to do it.”

Hutson, who is entering the last year of his three-year, $2.85 million entry-level contract, could become the next great NHL blue liner. While Corrado thinks that a 100-point season is on the table for Hutson, it won't be before Makar or Hughes.

Makar topped 90 points last season, Hughes has also had great offensive seasons. So, it will come down to Makar, Hughes, and Hutson as the next potential wave of blue liners to reach the 100-point mark since Erik Karlsson did it during the 2022-23 season.

Uncertainty continues regarding Lane Hutson extension with Canadiens

Lane Hutson has been eligible to sign a contract extension since July 1. However, none has been forthcoming. While the situation is not overly concerning, the sense is that there is more pressure on the Canadiens' side than Hutson's camp.

Insider Frank Seravalli share the following comments on August 22, throwing light on the current state of affairs between Hutson and Montreal:

“The Canadiens are more than willing to step up and write a check for Lane Hutson to be a Canadien for a long, long time; I just don't know what the Hutson appetite is on that end.”

Huston is an RFA, there is no risk of him parting ways with Montreal anytime soon. He is also ineligible for an offer sheet as his age and service time preclude the possibility of other teams targeting him next summer.