Montreal Canadiens in positive contract discussions with promising young NHL defenseman Lane Hutson

The Montreal Canadiens and 21-year-old defenseman Lane Hutson have begun preliminary talks on a new contract, with sources describing discussions as “very amicable.” Hutson, a pending 10.2(c) restricted free agent, is coming off a standout rookie season and is eligible to sign an extension as of July 1.

While talks are still early, both sides appear confident a deal will eventually be reached.

Montreal Canadiens and defenseman Lane Hutson making progress in NHL contract extension talks

According to RG’s Marco D’Amico, the Canadiens and Hutson’s camp are in a good place as negotiations move forward. Hutson’s 10.2(c) status, meaning no arbitration rights or offer sheet eligibility, gives Montreal a stronger negotiating position. This lack of external leverage for the player allows the team to explore cap-friendly options without the immediate pressure of a bidding war.Hutson’s debut season was nothing short of impressive. The reigning Calder Trophy winner posted 60 assists and 66 points in 82 games, cementing his status as one of the NHL’s brightest young blue-liners. Given his performance, the Canadiens are aiming to secure his prime years while balancing the long-term salary cap outlook. Early projections suggest an annual average value (AAV) in the $8.8 million to $9.5 million range, depending on term length.

How Lane Hutson’s potential Montreal Canadiens contract compares to other top young NHL defensemen

While some have drawn comparisons between Hutson’s upcoming deal and Noah Dobson’s eight-year, $9.5 million AAV contract, industry insiders point out key differences. Dobson’s right-shot profile, top-pair minutes, and proximity to unrestricted free agency gave him far greater bargaining power than Hutson currently holds.Instead, Hutson’s situation aligns more closely with recent long-term deals for fellow 10.2(c) defensemen like Quinn Hughes, Jake Sanderson, and Brock Faber.

These players secured contracts worth roughly 9–9.5% of the salary cap. With the NHL cap projected to reach $104 million, Hutson’s extension will likely follow a similar formula. Both sides may also be waiting to see what New Jersey’s Luke Hughes signs for, giving Hutson’s camp another relevant comparable.The Canadiens appear set on keeping Lane Hutson as a central piece of their defensive core for years to come. While the exact term and cap hit are still being negotiated, the tone of discussions suggests a mutually beneficial deal is on the horizon. Montreal’s focus now is locking in their promising young defenseman at the right price before the market shifts further.Also Read: Utah Mammoth prospect Caleb Desnoyers likely to have debut pushed back to November due to injury