BROSSARD, Quebec -- Martin St. Louis blew his whistle at the end of practice and ordered Lane Hutson to go take an extra lap.

The Montreal Canadiens defenseman happily obeyed his coach's order, skating with his typical ease, but there was an element of freedom in each stride. Financial freedom, to be sure, but also a freedom from worry.

While Hutson circled the ice, St. Louis announced to the rest of the team that the 21-year-old signed an eight-year, $70.8 million contract with the Canadiens on Monday.

"As a hockey player, the ice is our sanctuary," St. Louis said. "At the end of practice, I had the chance to have all my players in the same place. It's pretty rare that I can get everyone together without having to call a team meeting. I'm not surprised by the players' reaction. I li

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