Montreal Canadiens in positive contract discussions with promising young NHL defenseman Lane Hutson
'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.
Tired of too many ads? go ad free now
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.
Tired of too many ads? go ad free now
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:
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
4 hours ago
- Time of India
NHL Trade Rumors: Boston Bruins expected to move Joonas Korpisalo as goaltending battle heats up
The Boston Bruins face a goaltending logjam as training camp approaches, with Joonas Korpisalo's future uncertain (Getty Images) The Boston Bruins are once again facing tough roster decisions in net as training camp looms, and the spotlight has shifted toward Joonas Korpisalo's uncertain future. While Jeremy Swayman is firmly positioned as the team's starter heading into 2025-26, questions remain about who will serve as his backup — and whether Korpisalo will even be on the roster when the season begins. Insider suggests Bruins are preparing to move on from Joonas Korpisalo The Bruins currently have three goaltenders signed to one-way contracts, a situation that leaves little room for balance. NHL insider Rob Couch recently suggested that Korpisalo could be the odd man out. According to Couch, 'Joonas Korpisalo isn't too happy with his situation on the Boston Bruins as he played just as well as Jeremy Swayman last season and got 24 starts to show for it. He is looking for a bigger role and won't find it in Boston. With the team wanting to have Michael DiPietro in the NHL as he's ready to graduate, Korpisalo has been in trade rumors and should be traded. His cap hit is $3 million AAV for three more years and he was good in Columbus and LA. The Bruins could also retain even more to move him.' Korpisalo's frustration isn't new. At the end of last season, he voiced his disappointment with the lack of playing time, noting that he 'barely saw ice' despite steady performances when called upon. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Could This NEW Collagen Blend Finally Reduce Your Cellulite? Vitauthority Learn More Undo That public criticism only fueled speculation that his days in Boston were numbered. Why Michael DiPietro's development could tip the scales Michael DiPietro's rapid development has created pressure on Boston's front office to make a decision. At 25, the young netminder is viewed as NHL-ready, and the Bruins risk stunting his growth if he spends another year waiting in the AHL. Giving him an opportunity at the top level makes organizational sense — but it leaves Korpisalo squeezed out of the picture. If general manager Don Sweeney opts to trade Korpisalo, the move could also provide Boston with valuable cap flexibility, which may be redirected toward shoring up other areas of the roster. With several teams still unsettled in goal, there's a strong chance the Bruins find suitors willing to take on the veteran. Also Read: 'I deserve a chance': Nazem Kadri fires back after Hockey Canada camp exclusion, cites career-best season and experience The bottom line: if Boston is committed to developing DiPietro while keeping faith in Swayman as the franchise goaltender, then Korpisalo's exit seems more a matter of 'when' than 'if.' Catch Rani Rampal's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 4. Watch Here!
Time of India
5 hours ago
- Time of India
Maple Leafs fans on edge as Connor McDavid's new contract update sparks speculation over Auston Matthews' long-term future in Toronto
Auston Matthews' Toronto Maple Leafs future thrown into spotlight after latest McDavid contract update stirs debate (Getty Images) The NHL's contract market is once again buzzing, and this time the focus is on Connor McDavid. A recent update from insider John Shannon suggests that the Edmonton Oilers captain's next deal could be shorter and cheaper than many fans expected. While Oilers fans may be relieved, the news has rippling effects for Toronto, where Auston Matthews' long-term future remains a delicate balance between health, performance, and financial strategy. Connor McDavid's new contract could reset expectations Connor McDavid's contract situation has dominated headlines for months, and while most assumed he would eventually sign a long-term extension in Edmonton, Shannon's latest comments hint at a surprising shift. 'I think it's a…three or four year deal; I think Connor's gonna come in lower than a lot of people are expecting; short term,' Shannon noted. This projection diverges from the expected eight-year mega-deal, fueling speculation that McDavid could prefer flexibility in his next chapter. There's even chatter about a two-year option, which would keep his earnings high while allowing him to revisit the market when the salary cap continues to rise. For Edmonton, this provides security in the short run, but it also ensures McDavid retains leverage over his future. The bigger question, however, is what this means for Toronto. Why Connor McDavid's contract could shape Auston Matthews' next deal Matthews, who is already the face of the Maple Leafs franchise, carries a $13.25 million cap hit under his current contract. While locked in for now, Toronto knows his future payday could dwarf McDavid's, especially as the NHL salary cap is projected to rise significantly in the coming years. If McDavid is in the $16–$17 million range, many expect Matthews to command $20 million annually once his deal is up. But money isn't the only factor. Toronto must weigh Matthews' durability. There are lingering concerns about his health heading into the season, raising questions about whether the Leafs will get the full 'Auston Matthews experience' when it matters most. Playoff performance, too, looms over his legacy. Despite an impressive 727 points in 629 games, his postseason struggles remain a sticking point for critics. For now, one thing is clear: McDavid's decision to prioritize short-term security over a long-term extension will likely reset the market. And when Matthews' contract comes due, Toronto may have no choice but to follow a similar playbook—big money, shorter years, and plenty of pressure to deliver when it counts. Also Read: Maple Leafs fans on edge as Auston Matthews' health questions emerge before opener without Mitch Marner Catch Rani Rampal's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 4. Watch Here!
Time of India
9 hours ago
- Time of India
"He wants to win the Cup": Connor McDavid might be planning something unexpected in his new contract with the Edmonton Oilers NHL insider hints
Connor McDavid is fully focused on winning the Stanley Cup in the next season.(Image via Sergei Belski-Imagn Images) Connor McDavid , the star player of the Edmonton Oilers, might have faced a heartbreaking loss two months ago when he lost out on the Stanley Cup but the Oilers' captain is in no mood to leave his team. After the Edmonton Oilers lost the Stanley Cup against the Florida Panthers for the second consecutive year, there were many speculations about Connor McDavid exiting the team as his contract expires at the end of the 2025-26 season. But now, it seems the Oilers' captain might just take a pay cut for his team. Connor McDavid might just take a pay cut to focus on winning the Stanley Cup for the Edmonton Oilers, NHL insider reveals A few days ago, NHL insider John Shannon appeared on the Oilers Now, where he spoke to Bob Stauffer about what Connor McDavid might be considering for his new deal with the Edmonton Oilers. NHL insider John Shannon said, 'I think it's a three or four-year deal…I think Connor is entitled to 20 percent, what does that put it at, 17 or 18 (million)?' But it is the reason behind such a potential decision that proves how much Connor McDavid cares about his team, the Edmonton Oilers. NHL insider John Shannon added, 'Connor is also smart enough to know that if he gets too much, that's less to acquire free agents and other players for this hockey club…That's what superstars do, who want to win the Stanley Cup.' John Shannon continued, 'I think Connor's going to come in lower than a lot of people (think).' However, neither Connor McDavid nor his team, the Edmonton Oilers, have confirmed these speculations yet and have remained silent amid all the rumours. What has Connor McDavid been up to in the offseason? While Connor McDavid generally maintains a low profile and prefers to spend time with his family during the offseason, he was recently spotted along with his wife, Lauren Kyle, at his teammate and long time friend, Leon Draisaitl's lavish wedding in Italy. Leon Draisaitl recently tied the knot with actress, Celeste Desjardins, and it seems both Connor McDavid and his wife, Lauren Kyle, had the time of their lives at the wedding. For now, it seems Connor McDavid's focus is on winning the Stanley Cup for the Edmonton Oilers' next season. Also Read: Lane Hutson extension: Why Noah Dobson isn't the right comparable Catch Rani Rampal's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 4. Watch Here!
