As the Montreal Canadiens gear up for another promising season, one storyline has quietly captured the attention of fans and insiders alike—yet few truly know what’s unfolding behind the scenes.

Lane Hutson, the electrifying young defenseman poised to become a cornerstone of the franchise, finds himself at the center of a contract saga that’s far more intricate than anyone initially imagined.

What started as a routine negotiation has evolved into a puzzling stalemate, raising eyebrows across the hockey world and leaving supporters hungry for answers.

Rumors swirl about numbers and demands, but the real sticking point remains shrouded in mystery. Why, with both sides seemingly so close, has a deal not been reached?

Is there more to this negotiation than meets the eye, and could the outcome shape the Canadiens’ future in unexpected ways? Key voices have weighed in, hinting at deeper issues that go beyond dollar signs and annual salaries. All eyes are on Montreal’s front office and Hutson’s camp, as the tension quietly builds.

For fans anxiously awaiting resolution, the wait continues. What’s truly holding up the agreement—and could it signal bigger changes ahead? The full story reveals surprising twists that every Canadiens supporter needs to know.

Oct 4, 2025; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; Montreal Canadiens defenseman Lane Hutson (48) plays the puck against the Ottawa Senators during the third period at Bell Centre. Mandatory Credit: David Kirouac-Imagn Images

Photo credit: David Kirouac-Imagn Images

Several people thought Lane Hutson’s contract extension would be a formality and that the matter would be settled before the start of the regular season.

However, it now seems that things are a bit more complicated than they appeared, as the two sides have not yet reached an agreement to this day.

As already mentioned, Hutson’s camp is reportedly asking for a deal worth $10 million per year.

On the other hand, Kent Hughes is said to have tried to convince Hutson to sign for slightly under $9 million per year.

Darren Dreger adds to the Lane Hutson case

So we can see that there’s a gap of roughly one million dollars between the two sides.

It raises the question: why would such a small salary difference be taking so long to resolve?

On this topic, TSN journalist Darren Dreger recently explained that the sticking point in these negotiations is not the annual salary, but the term.

The real problem between Kent Hughes and Lane Hutson in the contract talks is the term!

According to what he’s heard, the Canadiens want an 8-year deal, while Hutson’s camp would prefer a 6-year deal.

“Darren Dreger on TSN 690 this morning says that it’s his understanding that Lane Hutson prefers a shorter term (6 years?) on his new contract, the Canadiens are looking for max term.”

I wonder if both sides couldn’t just meet in the middle and agree on a 7-year contract extension.

Kent Hughes recently reassured Canadiens fans by mentioning that the club’s number 48 will not become a free agent until 2031.

“No, I’m not worried.

For all the contracts we’ve negotiated since we arrived here, the negotiations have gone smoothly.

Sometimes it’s very quick, sometimes it takes more time, but there’s no reason to worry.

The fans don’t need to be concerned.

He won’t be an unrestricted free agent for another 7 years!”

– Kent Hughes

Personally, I’m not worried at all about this case. The two sides will come to an agreement, and Lane Hutson will be a Canadien for a long time to come.

That said, I understand the fans wanting to see a conclusion sooner rather than later.