Montreal Canadiens sign Lane Hutson to an entry-level contract

Montreal Canadiens general manager Kent Hughes announced Friday that the club has agreed to terms with defenseman Lane Hutson on a three-year, entry-level contract.

Hutson was drafted by Montreal with the #62 pick in the second round of the 2022 NHL Entry Draft.

The 20-year-old had 15 goals and 34 points and 49 assists in 38 games during the 2023-24 campaign with the Boston University Terriers of the NCAA. Hutson is tied with University of Denver quarterback Zeev Buium for first among NCAA quarterbacks. Hutson was a Hobey Baker nominee and named to the NCAA Hockey East First All-Star Team.

Last season's 48 points was one of the best seasons by a Boston University U-19 defenseman in NCAA history, breaking the 35-year-old scoring record set by Brian Leach. Hutson won the NCAA Hockey East Player of the Year Award, the NCAA Hockey East Tournament MVP, the NCAA New England MVP Award and was a Hobey Baker finalist.

Hutson represented Team USA three times internationally, once at the U18 Men's Championship and twice at the World Juniors. At the 2024 World Juniors, Hutson led the Americans to a gold medal and recorded six assists, the most among defensemen at the tournament.

Hutson is expected to join the team in time for next week's game against the Detroit Red Wings.

Daily Faceoff prospect analyst Stephen Ellis breaks down Hutson and what you need to know about Montreal's hottest prospect: “From a young age, his offensive instincts were at the top of the class, Ellis said. “It's not often you meet defensemen with Hutson's creativity – he's so agile, often stopping to pick up the puck and create opportunities in close quarters, a la Calais Makar.” Hutson is a unique role of a man – he turns easily and is very difficult to stop with quick feet. He's incredibly deceptive, using his false head to draw you in before making a dramatic move.”