Golden Knights defenseman signs contract extension

Ben Hutton was out of work at the start of the season, hoping to find a team in need of a versatile, veteran defenseman.

Almost five months later, he has job security.

The Golden Knights signed Hutton to a two-year, $1.7 million contract extension, the team announced Saturday.

“I knew eventually if I kept working hard someone was going to get a call done or get a deal done,” Hutton said Tuesday. “It was just … staying ready, getting in game shape and getting ready for wherever I was going.”

Hutton, 28, played most of last season with Anaheim before he was traded to Toronto for a fifth-round pick in April. He was a free agent and signed a professional tryout contract with the Ducks in training camp, but was released before the start of the season without a contract.

The Knights signed Hutton on Oct. 28 to a one-year contract for the league minimum ($750,000), and he has played valuable minutes with several defensemen sidelined by injuries.

In 35 games, Hutton has two goals and nine points to go with 16 penalty minutes. He recorded his 100th career point with a goal in Friday’s 5-4 victory at Anaheim.

The Knights have seven defensemen signed for next season, and Nic Hague will be a restricted free agent.

Contact David Schoen at dschoen@reviewjournal.com or 702-387-5203. Follow @DavidSchoenLVRJ on Twitter.