Reigning Calder Trophy winner Lane Hutson has agreed to an eight-year, $70.8 million extension with the Montreal Canadiens, the team announced Monday.
The deal comes after prolonged negotiations over the summer between the American-born defenseman and the Canadiens. Talks intensified over the weekend with a focus on getting Hutson signed so he and the team can get off to a good start. The deal, which carries an $8.85 million AAV, includes $55 million in signing bonus money, sources told ESPN.
The 21-year-old is coming off a historic season for the Canadiens. He recorded six goals and 60 assists -- the most assists by a rookie defenseman in NHL history.