October 6, 2025 | 8:30pm ET
TheFourthPeriod.com

HABS, HUTSON CONTINUE CONTRACT NEGOTIATIONS

Lane Hutson, defenceman

The Montreal Canadiens remain in continuous conversation with Lane Hutson’s camp over a contract extension, and while the two sides spoke again Monday, a new deal is not yet on the horizon.

TFP’s David Pagnotta reported Monday evening that the Habs and Hutson’s agent, Sean Coffey, spoke again today “but (there is) still work ahead.”

In an interview with French media outlet Radio-Canada Sports, Canadiens GM Kent Hughes acknowledged talks with Hutson’s camp are ongoing, and added that “our focus is on our internal structure.”

“Our salary structure is based on financial flexibility, but also on the culture we try to establish in the locker room,” Hughes explained. “That’s very important to us.

“So, in every decision we make – even in a context where the salary cap increases – the amounts will not necessarily be the same, but the principles will remain.”

Noah Dobson signed an eight-year contract with the Canadiens at a $9.5 million AAV upon being traded to the club in June on the first day of the NHL Draft, taking a little less to ink a deal with the club. Canadiens captain Nick Suzuki, sniper Cole Caufield, defenceman Kaiden Guhle and 2022 first-overall pick Juraj Slafkovsky all took a little less, as well, to spread the wealth around.

“Whether it’s Sidney Crosby, Patrice Bergeron, or any of the players who were part of the most successful teams of the salary cap era, there’s a price to pay for trying to win championships,” Hughes said.

Hughes and Coffey are expected to continue their negotiations this week, but how long it takes to come to terms on a new deal remains to be seen.

ESPN’s Emily Kaplan reported Hutson was willing to sign an eight-year deal worth less than Dobson’s AAV, but the market has since changed after New Jersey signed Luke Hughes and Anaheim signed Jackson LaCombe to eight-year deals worth $9 million per season.

Meanwhile, of note, as Pagnotta reported Monday evening, if the Canadiens and Hutson cannot agree on an extension and he remains without a new deal come July 1, 2026, he will then become a 10.2(c) restricted free agent and will be ineligible to pursue and sign an offer sheet.

Last season’s Rookie of the Year tallied six goals and 60 assists for 66 points in 82 games with the Canadiens in 2024-25.