Player Discussion Lane Hutson: Part 3 - Calder Edition

[No More Subban]

I blame the NHL grind. He's not used to this.

 

[Hoochi Papa]

I really do hope we lock him up this summer after July 1st. Something I was thinking about was the looming announcement on a new Canadian TV rights deal. I believe Bettman is negotiating this now. Sportsnet has another year after this season I believe. Once that deal is announced, I believe we are going to hear lots of talk about even a higher cap increase to come.

Hutson's first year after his ELC (26/27) might be for a cap that is very close to $100M. It's scheduled to be $92.4M next year and Bettman was talking about pushing it up so the cap system is not shocked. The latest info and way to limit the cap growth was to cancel escrow payments for the rest of the season and also share extra profits to the players so they meet the 50/50 revenue split (read article below)

Hutson's new extension comes exactly when the new Canadian TV rights deal kicks in (extra $$$).

Exclusive: NHL Cancels Escrow Payments, Shares Profits With Players

The NHL cancels escrow payments for players, reflecting strong finances. A $92-93M salary cap increase is expected for 2025-26

rg.org

Sooner or later our salary cap honeymoon where Suzuki set the ceiling will be over. I wouldn't mind paying 10 million to Lane, if it locks him up for 6-8 years. When his extension begins there's no point to compare old contracts now that cap is going to 100 million and beyond. Lane and Laine, I truly wish both of these contracts will be solved as soon as possible. It will only go up from here.