The Montreal Canadiens appear ready to use a soon-to-close contract loophole to secure one of their most important young players. Fresh off a Calder Trophy-winning rookie season, Lane Hutson is at the center of talks that could define the franchise’s next chapter. With contract rules changing and a narrow window to act, Montreal faces a decision that could lock up their defensive cornerstone or risk losing him to a bidding war.
Will Lane Hutson’s Next Deal Be Montreal’s Biggest Move Yet?
Reports suggest that changes to the NHL’s Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) won’t take effect until September 2026. That delay allows teams one more year to sign players to eight-year contracts with front-loaded bonuses, a tool the Canadiens could apply directly to Hutson.
Especially Hutson (re: signing bonuses).
— Marco D’Amico (@mndamico) August 26, 2025
For a franchise trying to lock up its young core, the timing could not be better. This loophole gives Montreal a rare chance to structure a deal that won’t be possible once the new rules take effect.
Hutson, 21, is entering the final year of his entry-level contract, which carries a $950,000 cap hit. He becomes a restricted free agent in 2026, and the situation becomes more complicated.
Montreal has the advantage of RFA control, but Hutson’s camp knows his value has spiked after a 66-point rookie season, making him one of the most impactful young defensemen in the league. Those numbers put him in elite company and give his representatives serious leverage in negotiations.
The Canadiens can still offer an eight-year deal before the new CBA rules kick in. That window creates a unique opportunity to lock in Hutson long-term while structuring the deal with bonuses that would no longer be permitted after 2026.
According to analysts, this flexibility could save the Canadiens millions over the life of the contract while giving Hutson the financial security that comes with a long-term commitment.
Why Could Hutson’s Extension Talks Shape Montreal’s Future?
Early discussions between Montreal and Hutson’s representatives have reportedly been slow, but not contentious. Both sides understand what’s at stake, and neither wants to rush into a deal they’ll regret.
The framework is clear: Brock Faber’s eight-year, $68 million contract in Minnesota has been mentioned as a reference point, while Noah Dobson’s $76 million deal in Montreal set an internal benchmark. Many around the league believe Hutson could land somewhere in that range, if not higher.
The Canadiens face a choice. Sign Hutson now, based on one breakout year, or wait and risk his price climbing if he delivers another standout season. It’s the classic gamble teams face with young stars.
With the salary cap projected to rise, Hutson’s side could push for a shorter bridge contract that positions him for an even bigger payday later. Montreal, on the other hand, is expected to prefer maximum term security that keeps their cornerstone defenseman in place for years to come.
Behind the scenes, Montreal’s management is juggling more than just Hutson’s future. Key contracts for Kirby Dach and Zac Bolduc will need attention in 2026, and Carey Price’s long-term deal will finally come off the books that summer.
That timing could give the Canadiens the flexibility needed to finalize a Hutson extension without jeopardizing their cap structure. The pieces are falling into place for Montreal to make this move happen.
