David Kirouac-Imagn Images

Lane Hutson Addresses Canadiens Contract Drama Ahead of Season?

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Antonio Losada | Last updated Oct 7, 2025 12:45 PM ET

Montreal Canadiens defenseman Lane Hutson didn’t want to talk about his pending contract extension on Monday.

With the Habs preparing for Wednesday’s season opener in Toronto, the reigning Calder Trophy winner as the NHL's Rookie of the Year made clear his focus remains on hockey — not negotiations.

After practice, the 21-year-old defenseman addressed the media for the first time since reports surfaced that talks with the Canadiens had hit a snag over contract structure.

“I try to stay pretty hands off,” Hutson said, per The Athletic. “Of course I want to be here, who wouldn’t? So it’s all about just working out some kinks. My agents have a job to do, and so does management here.”

Had a chat with Lane Hutson today. A tiny bit about the contract, much more about his growth: https://t.co/yH22hvPma8
— Arpon Basu (@ArponBasu) October 6, 2025

Hutson’s choice of words, namely the reveal of the negotiations approaching a conclusion with only “some kinks” pending, came nearly in parallel to general manager Kent Hughes' comments downplaying any sense of tension between both sides.

“All of the contracts that we’ve negotiated since we’ve been here have gone smoothly,” Hughes said. “Sometimes they’re done quickly, sometimes they take longer. The fans shouldn’t worry — Lane won’t be an unrestricted free agent for another seven years. So he’s not going anywhere else.”

According to Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman, the two sides remain close on an eight-year deal worth roughly $9 million per season, but a disagreement over the contract structure, potentially including deferred payments, has delayed finalization.

Friedman described the issue as a “philosophical hurdle” tied to Canada’s Retirement Compensation Arrangement, which Hutson’s camp isn't willing to accept.

Montreal Canadiens defenseman Lane Hutson (48) considers his options with the puck.David Kirouac-Imagn Images

Despite the pause in negotiations and the lack of updates from either side, neither Hutson nor the Habs appear too concerned about the future outcome.

The Canadiens see Hutson as the cornerstone of their defense after his 66-point rookie season and his first playoff appearance with the franchise last year. For his part, Hutson said he prefers to leave the details and negotiations in the hands of his agents.

“My agents have a job to do, and I’ve got mine — just to play,” Hutson said.

Hutson will open the season on Montreal’s top pairing with Noah Dobson against the Toronto Maple Leafs on Wednesday.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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