BOMBSHELL IN MONTREAL: Darren Raddysh’s contract just PROVED the entire NHL what a massive STEAL the Canadiens have in Lane Hutson.
BOMBSHELL IN MONTREAL: Darren Raddysh’s contract just PROVED the entire NHL what a massive STEAL the Canadiens have in Lane Hutson.
Last October, the Montreal Canadiens took a calculated risk by signing defenseman Lane Hutson to an eight-year contract worth $8.85 million annually. At the time, the young blueliner had played just one NHL season. While that rookie campaign was outstanding, it still represented a relatively small sample size for such a significant long-term commitment.
That gamble, however, continues to pay rich dividends for Montreal. The latest validation came Friday morning when the Toronto Maple Leafs announced a sign-and-trade deal, acquiring Darren Raddysh from the Tampa Bay Lightning in exchange for a 2026 fifth-round pick after agreeing to an eight-year contract worth $8.5 million annually.
Teams are desperate for No. 1 defensemen — and the Canadiens have one on a bargain
Raddysh enjoyed a career year with the Lightning in 2025-26, posting new highs of 22 goals and 48 assists. Much of that production came on the power play, where he tallied 10 goals and 16 assists with the man advantage. The breakout, however, arrived as he turned 30 years old. Toronto is now banking on him maintaining that elevated level of play all the way through age 38.
In contrast, Hutson signed his extension at just 20 years old. He is expected to improve significantly through the prime years of his deal. After winning the Calder Trophy as the NHL’s top rookie in 2024-25 with 66 points, the dynamic defenseman took another step forward this past season, recording 12 goals and 66 assists.
The statistical gap between the two players is already telling. Hutson has accumulated 146 career points in just 166 NHL games. Raddysh, meanwhile, has 143 points in 249 games. The young Canadian has produced more offense in substantially fewer opportunities.
A future Norris contender versus a solid top-pair option
Hutson’s trajectory suggests he should be a perennial Norris Trophy candidate for years to come. His combination of elite skating, playmaking vision, and offensive instincts positions him as a true No. 1 defenseman with star potential. Raddysh, by comparison, projects as a capable top-pair defenseman who can meaningfully upgrade a power play, but many evaluators view him as an even stronger fit on a second pairing.
This contract comparison underscores a significant competitive advantage for the Canadiens. While other teams are committing massive cap dollars to veterans in their thirties on lengthy deals, Montreal has locked up a young, ascending difference-maker at a relatively team-friendly number through his prime.
That cap flexibility is invaluable. General manager Kent Hughes now has greater maneuverability to supplement the roster and build a legitimate Stanley Cup contender around a core that includes Hutson.
For now, Canadiens fans and the organization should feel grateful they moved aggressively on Lane Hutson when they did. As the NHL marketplace continues to reward proven production with long-term security — even for players entering their thirties — the wisdom of Montreal’s earlier investment looks sharper with every new contract signed around the league.
