In the ever-shifting landscape of NHL contracts, few stories have captivated Montreal Canadiens fans quite like the latest buzz surrounding Lane Hutson. With rumors swirling and insider whispers growing louder, the young defenseman’s future in Montreal is suddenly the talk of the hockey world.

Today, respected journalist Marco D’Amico dropped a series of tantalizing updates that have set social media ablaze and left fans speculating about what could be next.

What’s truly fascinating isn’t just the possibility of a contract extension for Hutson—it’s the way the negotiations are unfolding, with comparisons to some of the league’s brightest young stars.

Insiders are suggesting that Hutson’s situation is unlike any other, and the Canadiens may be poised to strike a deal that could redefine their defensive core for years to come.

The stakes are high, and the details remain shrouded in mystery, but one thing is clear: the outcome could have far-reaching implications for Montreal’s salary structure and future ambitions.

As new information emerges and the excitement builds, the question on everyone’s mind is simple—what exactly are the Canadiens planning for their rising star?

Dive into the full story to discover the inside scoop, the unexpected twists, and why this contract saga is more than meets the eye.

Photo credit: Habs Fanatics

Journalist Marco D’Amico had good news for Montreal Canadiens fans today.

First, he announced that Lane Hutson’s camp and the Canadiens’ management are confident they can reach an agreement on a contract extension.

But that’s not all.

Not only does it look good for an extension for young Hutson, but also, number 48 would reportedly sign for less money than Noah Dobson!

It would be a Brock Faber-type contract for Lane Hutson, not a Noah Dobson-type contract

A source from RG Media mentioned that the situations of Dobson and Hutson are quite different.

Hutson has much less leverage.

“Unlike players in their twenties who benefit from arbitration rights or regular free agents who can receive offers (as Noah Dobson was about to become), Hutson falls into the rarer category of restricted free agents under NHL Article 10.2(c).

This designation applies to restricted free agents who have not yet accumulated enough professional seasons to qualify for arbitration or to sign an offer sheet with another team.”

– RG Media

In short, Hutson does not have arbitration rights and also does not have the right to sign an offer sheet with another team.

Hutson is therefore really handcuffed!

The Canadiens clearly hold the upper hand in this case.

“His contract comparable would not be Dobson in this case, but rather (Jake) Sanderson, (Brock) Faber, or (Quinn) Hughes, who signed long-term contracts as 10.2(c) RFAs,” the source said.

“It’s about comparing apples to apples, even though I think Hutson could be an elite player.”

This is really interesting!

We strongly recommend Marco D’Amico’s full article on the subject.

If Kent Hughes is truly able to sign Lane Hutson long-term at a salary comparable to Brock Faber’s, it would be huge for the Canadiens’ salary structure!

“Not just saying this because he’s my colleague at TheRGMedia and a good friend, but, IMHO, this is to date, the best article explaining the contract situation with the GoHabsGo and Lane Hutson.”

Brock Faber, 22 years old, signed for $8,500,000 per year.

Quinn Hughes, 25 years old, signed for $7.85 million per year.

That gives a good idea of what seems to be in store for Hutson.