The Montreal Canadiens are taking a measured approach to extending star defenseman Lane Hutson’s contract this offseason, with discussions continuing but no immediate urgency to finalize a deal. Sources indicate that while conversations remain steady, both sides are comfortable letting negotiations unfold at a deliberate pace.
Current Status of Lane Hutson’s Contract Negotiations
NHL analyst Marco D’Amico from RG Media offered insight into the ongoing contract extension talks between the Canadiens and Hutson. Speaking on The Shaun Starr Show on August 18, D’Amico described the situation as one without a dominant driving force but characterized by friendly and ongoing dialogue.
“We’ll never really know exactly, but from what I was told, there’s no one really driving the conversations. It’s a very amicable back and forth.”
— Marco D’Amico, NHL Analyst
This reflects a scenario where communication is consistent, yet no concrete progress has been publicly reported. Despite this, both the Canadiens and Hutson’s representatives remain engaged and committed to reaching an agreement.
“Generally speaking, you know when, when people think, when people have no news, they think there’s no conversation. It’s quite the opposite. They’re in constant communication, and it’s like the idea is there’s no immediate rush to get something done right now, simply because we’re entering kind of a new era for signing contracts.”
— Marco D’Amico, NHL Analyst
The lack of urgency is not due to disinterest but rather a shared confidence that a contract will be signed when the timing is right. Neither the Canadiens nor Hutson’s camp is showing signs of panic, suggesting a willingness to proceed thoughtfully rather than hastily.
Though fans may anticipate a swift resolution, the final agreement could still come as a surprise, depending on how negotiations play out over the coming months.
Possible Terms and Comparisons for Hutson’s Upcoming Contract
When considering Hutson’s potential next contract, D’Amico looked to recent deals signed by comparable star defensemen such as Quinn Hughes, Cale Makar, and Brock Faber. Each of these players secured significant contracts upon exiting their entry-level deals, providing a useful benchmark for Hutson’s market value.
These defensemen signed contracts valued between 8.6% and 9.6% of the NHL salary cap ceiling at the time of their signings. Using this range, Hutson’s next contract could fall near $9 to $9.5 million annually, based on a projected salary cap ceiling of $105 million for the 2026-27 season.
This suggests a substantial raise reflecting his status as a Calder Trophy winner and his potential impact for the Canadiens. However, the team may prefer to evaluate Hutson’s performance in his upcoming season before committing to a long-term, lucrative deal, allowing them to assess his development and consistency first.