The recent contract extension of the New Jersey Devils with Luke Hughes-a seven-year-old deal worth $ 9 million a year gets attention, not only because he is now the best-paid Hughes brother, but because he can be a precedent for another, top-tier defender in Lane Hutson.
Both players come from their entry contracts and their situations share similarities. Hutson, who is expected to be a huge NHL star and one of the big names on the blue line of the Canadiens for the coming years, will see the contract of the Hughes and wonder what he is worth.
At first glance, the Canadiens may think that a $ 9 million deal means something similar to Hughes for Hutson, but it might not be that simple.
Who benefits most from the Hughes deal: Hutson or the Canadiens?
The Canadiens are not in the same urgent position as the Devils were at Luke Hughes. However, Timing is crucial to secure the right deal with Hutson. Another impressive season will only increase Hutson’s stock. With one step back, the Canadiens can get a better deal.
Waiting too long to complete Hutson’s contract can cost the Canadiens millions. Signing him too early can be counterproductive and the Habs could spend too much. Some NHL insiders wonder if the Canadiens in the reach of eight years would offer something to Hutson for $ 10 million a year, would he jump on it? Don’t forget, the AAV brings up an eighth year, as it did when the Devils Hughes offered for six years with $ 8 million and his camp no said.
Some can claim that Hutson is already on Hughes, and his Rookie season gives him a strong thing to keep it out and to ask for a home run contract. He was arranged under the top 50 of the NHL by Sportnet, he recorded one of the most productive campaigns ever for a Rookie defender. Hutson finished as top scorer of the team in the play -offs and led in assists and established an NHL franchise record.
But what does a Down season do compared to his Rookie campaign with its contract numbers?
Sources suggest that the Canadiens can weigh that consideration and gambling, it cannot possibly have the same results, causing his costs to be reduced. Everything close to his Rookie figures would, however, place the Canadiens on an expensive territory in the long term, especially if the limit continues to rise as projected or more. Delay can run the risk of paying a steeper price, and certainly more than the new deal from Hughes.
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