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Insider provides the latest on Lane Hutson contract talks | Sporting News Canada

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Thursday, October 2nd 2025 at 14:26 GMT by Sporting News
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Montreal Canadiens Eye a New Chapter for Lane Hutson

The Montreal Canadiens are poised to make a crucial decision that could shape the team’s defensive core for years to come. An insider close to the organization has revealed that the club is actively engaging in contract negotiations with defenseman Lane Hutson, who has emerged as one of the franchise’s most reliable two‑way defenders. The conversation comes at a time when the Canadiens are navigating a crowded salary‑cap landscape while attempting to keep the key pieces that have carried them in recent playoff runs.

A Brief Recap of Hutson’s Montreal Journey

Hutson, a native of Massachusetts, signed his first NHL contract with the Montreal Canadiens in 2018 after a solid junior and collegiate career. He quickly proved himself as a dependable, stay‑behind defenseman with a knack for contributing offensively on the power play. Over the past three seasons, Hutson has posted career‑best numbers in both points and plus‑minus, and his leadership qualities have made him a locker‑room mainstay. As the 2023‑24 season neared its conclusion, the question on everyone’s minds was: what next for Hutson?

What the Insider Tells Us

The source, who requested anonymity, said the Canadiens are “in the middle of contract talks with Hutson” and that the front office is “very interested in keeping him for the foreseeable future.” According to the insider, the team is exploring a potential multi‑year deal that could see Hutson locked in for at least two seasons.

A key point raised by the insider is that the Canadiens are mindful of cap space. Montreal has already committed a significant portion of its 2024‑25 cap to other veterans and high‑profile free agents. Consequently, the offer being floated is reportedly modest in comparison to the offers Hutson has reportedly received from other teams. The insider hinted at a contract in the $4‑$5 million per year range, which would comfortably fit within the team’s budget while still rewarding Hutson for his production and consistency.

The conversation also highlighted the strategic importance of maintaining continuity on the blue line. “Hutson is one of the only defensemen we’ve been able to keep in the Canadiens organization consistently,” the insider said. “If we lose him, we’ll have to look elsewhere, and that could disrupt our defensive scheme.” This sentiment echoed the club’s broader emphasis on building a stable, defensively‑sound roster around the young core.

The Cap Situation in Montreal

Montreal’s salary‑cap story is a recurring narrative that has affected nearly every offseason. The Canadiens entered the 2023‑24 season with an estimated cap space of roughly $4.5 million, largely due to their heavy investment in free‑agent acquisitions such as J.T. Miller, Alex DeBrincat, and a handful of top‑six forwards. The team’s cap‑control strategy hinges on retaining a mix of high‑value contracts while also ensuring flexibility for potential acquisitions.

The proposed Hutson deal fits neatly into this plan. While the $4‑$5 million range is on the higher side for a two‑year contract, it still leaves room for cap‑friendly signings in the future. “We’re trying to preserve as much cap space as we can for the next few years,” an additional source told the team’s scouting department. “Keeping Hutson, even at a modest rate, is a wise move.”

Alternatives on the Horizon

While the Canadiens are keen to keep Hutson, the team is also exploring alternative defensive options should negotiations stall. One such option is defenseman Max Pacioretty, who has been in the news for being a potential free‑agent target after the end of the 2023‑24 season. Another name in the mix is the relatively young defenseman Jack Hughes, whose NHL experience remains limited, but who could fill a gap should the team need a replacement.

An insider noted that the Canadiens’ management would consider a trade if Hutson’s contract demands exceed the team’s willingness to compromise. “We would explore a trade package that could include a prospect or two, or even a future draft pick,” the source added.

The Bigger Picture: Montreal’s Defensive Identity

Montreal’s identity has always been tied to a solid defensive foundation. From legendary defenseman Larry Robinson to modern stalwart Shea Weber, the Canadiens have consistently prioritized a robust blue‑line presence. Lane Hutson’s contract negotiations, therefore, carry more than just financial implications; they represent a commitment to the team's defensive philosophy.

The Canadiens’ current defensive core—anchored by J.T. Miller, Alex DeBrincat, and the young defenseman Jack Hughes—could benefit from Hutson’s steadiness. If the negotiations succeed, the organization would reinforce its defensive stability while preserving flexibility for future free‑agent pursuits.

Looking Ahead

The next few weeks will be crucial for the Canadiens. With the NHL’s free‑agent window looming, the team must decide whether to lock Hutson into a long‑term arrangement or explore other options. The insider’s revelations suggest that the Canadiens are leaning toward a multi‑year deal that respects both the player’s value and the organization’s cap constraints.

In the interim, the Canadiens will continue to monitor the broader market and fine‑tune their roster strategy. Fans can expect more updates as the NHL offseason progresses, and the final outcome of Hutson’s contract talks will likely influence the team’s trajectory for the next two to three seasons.

For now, the Canadiens seem to be committed to maintaining the defensive core that has propelled them to recent playoff contention—while staying mindful of the cap‑tight reality that defines modern NHL team building. The coming days will reveal whether Hutson remains an integral piece of the Montreal puzzle, or whether the franchise will chart a new course in defense.