The Montreal Canadiens are entering a pivotal stretch as contract talks with rising defenseman Lane Hutson have yet to gain traction.
NHL insider Frank Seravalli reported that discussions remain in the early stages with little progress. Hutson, 21, is heading into the last season of his entry-level deal, which carries a $950,000 cap hit, before he becomes a restricted free agent next summer.
Will Lane Hutson’s Next Contract Reshape the Canadiens’ Future?
On the Bleacher Report’s “NHL Insider Notebook” podcast, Seravalli noted that Hutson’s camp may use Brock Faber’s new contract in Minnesota as a baseline.
Faber secured an eight-year pact worth $8.5 million annually. While that number is viewed as a starting point, most expect Montreal will have to pay more if it wants Hutson locked in long term.
Frank Seravalli: Re Lane Hutson extension: I don’t think that there’s been a ton of progress there, I think they had some initial talks and they are still looking at that; I think the ballpark is in that Brock Faber range [8.5m AAV] – Bleacher Report (8/22)
— NHL Rumour Report (@NHLRumourReport) August 23, 2025
General manager Kent Hughes and the Canadiens’ front office are trying to strike the right balance. Earlier this offseason, the club signed Noah Dobson to a deal worth $9.5 million annually, a move that set a clear internal benchmark for defensemen.
Even though Hutson has only one full NHL season under his belt, his Calder Trophy-winning rookie campaign instantly elevated his value. Some around the league believe a contract closer to Dobson’s price point makes more sense than the Faber comparison.
With the salary cap projected to rise in the coming years, Hutson’s side may also lean toward a shorter bridge contract that leaves the door open for a bigger payday. If the Canadiens push for an eight-year commitment, insiders expect it would come on terms more favorable to management.
Timing remains the key variable. Signing now means committing to a massive extension based on one breakout year, while waiting risks a sharp increase in Hutson’s price tag.
Rookie Season Changed the Conversation
Hutson’s first year with the Canadiens did more than just meet expectations; it rewrote them. He posted 66 points in 82 games, including six goals and 60 assists, while becoming the franchise’s first Calder Trophy winner since Ken Dryden.
His vision on the power play and ability to handle heavy minutes quickly made him an indispensable piece of the blue line.
For now, the Canadiens appear comfortable letting talks play out. Hutson is under contract through the 2025-26 season, giving management some flexibility.
Still, with fans eager to see the team commit to its young core, prolonged negotiations will only invite more speculation.
What’s certain is that Montreal views Hutson as a cornerstone of its future. Whether his next deal comes closer to Faber’s $8.5 million or Dobson’s $9.5 million, the outcome will shape not only the Canadiens’ cap strategy but also their long-term roster direction.
