"Geoff Molson Calls Lane Hutson's Extension 'A Huge Step' for Canadiens' Future: 'This is Just the Beginning'"

“Securing Lane for the long term is a huge step for our team. He’s the future of the Canadiens, and we’re excited to have him lead us forward. This is just the beginning of something special.”

– Geoff Molson, President and CEO of the Montreal Canadiens

The Montreal Canadiens have made a bold statement about their future by locking up their young star Lane Hutson

with an eight-year, $70.8 million contract extension. This deal, set to begin in the 2026-27 season, carries an average annual value of $8.85 million through 2033-34, a massive increase from his current rookie contract.

Hutson, just 21 years old, has already set the Montreal Canadiens franchise record for most points by a rookie defenseman, finishing last season with 66 points, including 60 assists

. That total tied the NHL rookie record for assists by a defenseman, previously set by Larry Murphy in 1980-81. His incredible play earned him the Calder Memorial Trophy
, making him the first Canadiens player to win the award since Ken Dryden in 1972.

Geoff Molson, President and CEO of the Montreal Canadiens, expressed his excitement about the extension:

Drafted 62nd overall in the 2022 NHL Draft, Hutson has quickly emerged as one of the NHL’s brightest young stars. The Canadiens are betting big on his future, locking him in as a cornerstone of their defense for years to come. Hutson’s remarkable vision, offensive instincts, and leadership on the ice make him an invaluable asset to the team.

With this long-term commitment, the Canadiens are positioning themselves for sustained success, knowing that Lane Hutson will be a key part of their future. Fans can look forward to watching him grow into one of the league's elite defensemen as he continues to develop under the bright lights of Montreal.

This extension not only cements Hutson's place as a central figure in the Canadiens’ plans but also signals a promising future for the team. Montreal has a generational talent locked in, and with

Lane Hutson at the helm, they’re aiming to build something truly special in the years to come.

"Kerby Joseph Could Face NFL Fine After Criticizing Officials on Social Media"

“I get it, the rule is in place, but it’s hard to stay quiet when you see calls like that affecting the game. We work hard, and when we feel the game isn’t being called fairly, it’s frustrating. But we know we have to keep our heads down and focus on the next game.”

– Kerby Joseph, Safety, Detroit Lions

The Detroit Lions are facing not just the fallout from an emotionally charged game, but also the possibility of penalties for their players, including

Kerby Joseph. Following their intense matchup on Sunday, where tensions boiled over into a post-game brawl, all eyes have been on Brian Branch for potential disciplinary action. However, it’s

Joseph who may be next on the NFL’s radar, and his potential fine has nothing to do with the fight.

Instead, Kerby Joseph is at risk of punishment for his

public criticism of the game’s officiating. Following the controversial contest, Joseph took to social media to voice his frustration with what many believed were poor calls that favored the opposing team. However, the NFL has a strict policy in place that prohibits players from publicly criticizing officials, whether through interviews, social media, or other public forums.

In response to the situation, Joseph shared his frustrations, acknowledging the difficulty in staying silent when he felt the game was being influenced by questionable calls. “I get it, the rule is in place, but it’s hard to stay quiet when you see calls like that affecting the game. We work hard, and when we feel the game isn’t being called fairly, it’s frustrating,”

Joseph stated. “But we know we have to keep our heads down and focus on the next game.”

The NFL's stance on this issue is clear. According to Article 12, Section 3

of the playing rules, players are prohibited from making public comments that undermine the integrity or competency of officials. Joseph’s comments on Twitter, which followed a game with several controversial decisions—including a

no-call on a JuJu Smith-Schuster block and Chris Jones’ near offside violations—seem to fall directly in violation of this policy.

While Joseph’s comments reflect the frustration many players feel after games marked by controversial officiating, the NFL’s enforcement of this rule leaves little room for players to publicly vent their concerns. This silence, enforced through fines and potential suspensions, often only serves to build resentment among players and fans who feel that their voices should be heard, especially when the officiating impacts the outcome of the game.

As the Detroit Lions await the consequences for Brian Branch’s actions and Kerby Joseph’s social media outburst, one thing is certain—the league’s efforts to keep players quiet about officiating issues may only escalate the tension, leaving players with little recourse to voice their frustrations.

Sport