The Montreal Canadiens are facing a pivotal moment behind closed doors, as contract negotiations with rising star Lane Hutson have taken a dramatic and unexpected turn. In recent days, whispers of mounting tension have grown louder, with insiders suggesting the talks are far more contentious than initially believed. Now, new revelations from respected journalists are painting a picture of a negotiation deadlock that could have major implications for the future of the franchise.

General manager Kent Hughes is reportedly standing firm, refusing to budge on a $10 million per season salary ceiling—a decision that’s sending shockwaves through Hutson’s camp and raising eyebrows across the NHL. But that’s only part of the story. The latest reports reveal another critical sticking point: contract length. While Hutson’s representatives are pushing for a shorter deal that would allow him to hit free agency at his peak, the Canadiens are adamant about securing their young defenseman for the maximum term possible.

With both sides locked in a battle over money and years, the stakes couldn’t be higher. Could this negotiation standoff put Hutson’s future in Montreal at risk? What does it mean for the team’s long-term plans? The full story behind these tense talks will surprise you—read on to uncover all the details.

Kent Hughes and Lane Hutson

Photo credit: All Habs / NHL

We’ve been hearing more and more in recent days that tensions are rising in the negotiations between Lane Hutson and the Montreal Canadiens.

Now, according to the latest information from Sportsnet journalist Chris Johnston, general manager Kent Hughes is refusing to go beyond the $10 million per season mark in this case.

So, according to him, everything indicates that Montreal is trying to preserve its internal salary structure, despite growing pressure from the Hutson camp.

“Lane Hutson negotiations: I think they’re really focused on the Montreal side…on trying to keep their team structure in place; they’re not taking him to $10m, at least at this point.”

– Chris Johnston, The Chris Johnston Show

What Johnston says confirms what many had suspected.. Hughes has no intention of upsetting the salary balance in the locker room, where Nick Suzuki remains the benchmark with his $7.875 million per year contract.

Negotiations between Lane Hutson and the Montreal Canadiens are becoming more difficult over contract length and salary

And that’s not all.

Yesterday, Darren Dreger from TSN revealed another major sticking point – the length of the contract.

The Hutson camp is reportedly aiming for a six-year deal, while the Canadiens would prefer the maximum allowed, which is eight years.

“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 have to say, I don’t like hearing that kind of thing. It’s not a small, insignificant detail – it’s huge.

A six-season deal would take Hutson directly to full free agency, right when he reaches his full potential.

In other words, he could leave Montreal freely in the prime of his career, without any compensation.

A scenario that Kent Hughes obviously considers unacceptable.

In short, I don’t think we’ve heard the last of this.