The hockey world is buzzing with speculation, and all eyes are on Montreal as the fate of Lane Hutson hangs in the balance. In a dramatic turn of events, conflicting reports have flooded the media, leaving fans and insiders alike scrambling for the truth behind the Canadiens’ high-stakes contract negotiations with their young defensive star. Why is today so critical? What’s really happening behind closed doors at the Bell Centre?

Insiders suggest that both Lane Hutson’s camp and the Canadiens’ front office are using the media as a battleground, leaking information and playing a high-pressure game of public negotiation. With whispers of a deadline for deferred-money contracts and the shocking news of Connor McDavid’s extension with the Oilers breaking just hours ago, the tension has never been higher.

Could Hutson sign a monster deal worth nearly $10 million per year before the clock runs out? Or will the Canadiens miss a once-in-a-generation opportunity due to last-minute complications? The stakes couldn’t be higher, and every minute counts. As the hockey world holds its breath, one question remains: will today be the day that changes everything for Lane Hutson and the Montreal Canadiens?

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

TVA Sports journalist Nicolas Cloutier has just raised an important point regarding Lane Hutson and the Montreal Canadiens.

There are several contradictory reports leaking today in the media about Hutson’s much-talked-about contract extension, and there’s a specific reason why.

Elliotte Friedman reported earlier that contract talks have hit a roadblock.

Clearly, both Lane’s agent and the Canadiens’ front office seem to be using the media to negotiate publicly today-because today is an important date.

“There’s a reason all this information is being leaked today, with tough negotiations over the weekend and today’s deadline for deferred money contracts.

Told contract still attainable under $10M over 8 years.”

– Marco D’Amico

And the Canadiens would REALLY like to take advantage of a deferred-money contract for Hutson!

In other words.. Lane Hutson could realistically sign today!

Starting tomorrow, it will be absolutely impossible for Montreal to sign Hutson to a deferred-money contract.

That changes everything!

Kent Hughes about to finalize Lane Hutson’s contract extension?

This also explains why Connor McDavid finally signed today with the Oilers!

“The Oilers have signed forward Connor McDavid to a two-year contract extension with an AAV of $12.5 million!”

Today is a huge deadline day, and many big contracts will be announced across the NHL!

Will Lane Hutson do the same?

“If the CH is set on a contract with a deferred payment structure for Lane Hutson, it’s now or never:” – Nicolas Cloutier

It’s far from impossible!

Stay tuned, because Lane Hutson could literally sign at any moment.

The expectation is indeed a monster deal, worth $9 to $10 million per year!

Negotiations have been intense, and it’s major news to learn that they carried on heavily over the weekend between Lane Hutson and the Canadiens.

One to watch today!