NHL: Len Hutson signs his first professional contract with the Canadiens

American defenseman Len Hutson signed his rookie contract with the Montreal Canadiens on Friday.

Hutson completes the first year of his three-season contract. The team did not reveal the financial details of the agreement.

He should join his new teammates in Detroit on Sunday and feature in at least one of the Canadian's final three games of the season. The Habs visit the Senators in Ottawa on Saturday.

The Hutson and Boston University Terriers were eliminated in the USA College Championship semifinals against the University of Denver on Thursday.

The Habs' second-round pick in 2022, 62nd overall, Hutson has 15 goals and 34 assists in 38 games this season. His 49 points tie him for first place among NCAA defensemen, tied with Zeev Boyum.

His prowess earned him a spot on the Hockey East Association's first All-Star Team for the second straight season. After leading all NCAA defensemen with an average of 1.29 points per game, Hutson was named a finalist for the Hobie Baker Trophy, awarded annually to the best player in the men's NCAA Tournament, for the second straight season. who also finished among the finalists in the 2022-23 season.

In his first NCAA season, Hutson had 48 points, breaking Brian Leetch's record for points scored by a defenseman aged 19 or younger.

Hutson has also shined on the international scene during the last two editions of the World Junior Championships, helping the USA to a bronze medal in 2023 as well as a gold medal in 2024. The left-handed defender was also selected for the tournament. All-Star team in 2024, in addition to leading all defensemen with six assists.