We just had a major announcement that surprised many in the National Hockey League over the past few minutes.



An announcement that could significantly complicate the job of general manager Kent Hughes.

This Tuesday, the Washington Capitals handed out a monster contract to the excellent defenseman Jakob Chychrun.

Jakob Chychrun stats hockey

“The Washington Capitals have re-signed defenseman Jakob Chychrun to an eight-year, $72 million contract extension.

The 26-year-old leads Washington defensemen in goals, game-winning goals and power-play points this season.”

– Washington Capitals

 

We’re talking about a contract worth $9 million per year.

The big contract signed between Jakob Chychrun and the Washington Capitals will definitely have an impact on Lane Hutson’s upcoming deal in Montreal

This clearly changes the plans in Montreal, and it’s going to be extremely difficult for Kent Hughes to sign Hutson for less than $9 million per year now.

Yes, with this announcement from the Caps, it’s becoming more and more apparent that Lane Hutson is going to be very expensive.

“This is what the new prices look like with the cap set to rise.

I really like Chychrun, but he’s not even the Capitals’ number one defenseman.

Lane Hutson is going to be expensive.”

– Nicolas Cloutier

 

 

But regardless of the price, Hutson will be worth every dollar of his next annual salary.

Lane Hutson, 21 years old, has 53 points in 69 games this season, in his rookie year in the NHL.

Jakob Chychrun, 26 years old, has 43 points in 65 games this season, in his ninth year in the NHL.

We’re not saying it’s a bad signing for the Capitals, but it’s clearly a deal that’s shaking up the defenseman market-especially with the massive salary cap increase coming in the NHL.