Three-year, entry-level contract for Lane Hutson

OTTAWA – Montreal Canadiens general manager Kent Hughes announced Friday the team has agreed to terms with defenseman Lane Hutson on a three-year, entry-level contract (2023-24 to 2025-26).

Hutson, 20, had 15 goals and 34 assists in 38 games with the Boston University Terriers in the NCAA's Hockey East Conference this season. His 49 points tied for first among NCAA guards with Zeev Buium. His impressive numbers earned him a nomination to the Hockey East First All-Star Team for the second straight year. After leading all NCAA blueliners with a 1.29 points per game average, the 5-foot-10, 162-pound guard was among the top 10 finalists this season for the Hobey Baker, a distinction given annually to the NCAA's top college player. It will enter the top 10 in 2022-23.

Last year, Hutson helped his team win the Eastern Hockey Conference championship by scoring the game-winning goal in overtime in the championship game. His 48 points broke Brian Leach's record for most points by a U-19 defenseman in a single NCAA season. Hutson was also named the Eastern Hockey Conference Rookie of the Year. In addition, he became the first rookie in 37 years and only the second player to win the Walter Brown Trophy, awarded annually to the top American player in Division 1 New England.

Hutson also played on the international stage at the last two editions of the IIHF World Junior Championships, helping the United States win bronze in 2023 and gold in 2024. The left-handed defender was also named to the 2024 WJC All-Star Team. led all defensemen with six assists.

The Holland, MI native was selected by the Canadiens in the second round (62nd overall) of the 2022 NHL Entry Draft. Prior to being drafted, Hutson won the NHL's EJ McGuire Award, presented annually to a prospect who “demonstrates a commitment to excellence through strength of character, competitiveness and athleticism.”