Montreal Canadiens' star defenseman Lane Hutson signed an eight-year contract on Monday. Fans and analysts immediately compared it to the seven-year deal New Jersey Devils' own star defenseman Luke Hughes signed two weeks ago. The difference in reactions was stark and noticeable.

Lane Hutson and Luke Hughes are destined to be connected forever. It’s worked out that way. Luke Hughes came into the league with the draft pedigree and the last name that’s good enough for nepotism on its own.