The Montreal Canadiens and standout defenseman Lane Hutson are still trying to get on the same page when it comes to his next contract but talks have reportedly hit a wall. While both sides appear close on the money, the finer details of the deal are where things are getting tricky.
What’s Holding Up Lane Hutson’s Contract with the Canadiens?
Sources like TSN’s Darren Dreger and Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman say the negotiations have grown tense, even emotional at times.
It’s not about the salary, that part seems to be settled at around $9 million per year. The problem is the structure of the deal, especially around deferred payments tied to Canada’s Retirement Compensation Arrangement (RCA). The team sees it as a smart, cap-friendly move. Hutson’s side isn’t so sure.
Friedman described it like being on the five-yard line, near the end zone, but still needing a final push. Dreger called the whole thing “a bit of a mess.”
Darren Dreger: Re Lane Hutson negotiations: I wouldn’t expect that this one is gonna get done any time soon, it’s a bit of a mess there – OverDrive (10/8)
— NHL Rumour Report (@NHLRumourReport) October 8, 2025
And then there’s the term length. Montreal wants the full eight years. Hutson’s team? They’d reportedly rather go for six.
“I wouldn’t expect it to get done anytime soon.”@DarrenDreger gives his perspective on Lane Hutson’s potential next contract with the Canadiens.#GoHabsGo pic.twitter.com/muH2XMpqOi
— OverDrive (@OverDrive1050) October 8, 2025
Hutson himself isn’t fueling the drama. When asked after practice this week, he kept things low-key. “I try to stay pretty hands-off,” he said. “Of course I want to be here, who wouldn’t? So it’s all about just working out some kinks. My agents have a job to do and so does management here.”
He made it clear that staying in Montreal is what he wants, but also hinted that a few wrinkles still need ironing out.
From the team’s side, GM Kent Hughes isn’t sounding any alarms. He’s confident there’s time to sort everything out. After all, Hutson won’t hit unrestricted free agency for several more years. According to Hughes, some deals come together quickly others take time.
Montreal Still Committed to Securing Their Star Defenseman for the Future
Despite the holdup in negotiations, the Canadiens remain fully invested in Lane Hutson as a key part of their rebuild. The 21-year-old is coming off a sensational rookie season, one that ended with 66 points and a Calder Trophy. His value to the team isn’t in question.
Talks may be paused for now, but they’re not dead. There’s a possibility that discussions could pick up again after Montreal’s upcoming road game in Detroit. It’s believed that GM Kent Hughes might meet with Hutson’s agency, Quartexx, while the team is in town.
And that agency isn’t taking things lightly either. Quartexx recently brought in two of their top representatives, Ryan Barnes and Darren Ferris, to lead the negotiations. That move alone shows both sides are serious about getting something done.
Even with all the back-and-forth, no one close to the situation is suggesting this is headed for a bad ending. Insiders still expect the two camps to reach a deal, perhaps not today, but soon.
