A wave of excitement swept through Montreal this morning as the Canadiens dropped a bombshell announcement that instantly became the talk of the hockey world.

With fans still buzzing from the previous night’s electrifying game at Bell Centre, news broke that Lane Hutson, the team’s promising young defenseman, had agreed to an eight-year contract extension worth over $70 million—a move that nobody saw coming so soon.

But while headlines focused on the staggering numbers, what happened behind the scenes and in the hours leading up to the deal may surprise even the most devoted Habs followers.

As reporters crowded around Hutson for his first public comments since the announcement, he shared a series of candid revelations that shed new light on his mindset, his loyalty, and his vision for the future of the Canadiens.

What did Hutson say about his plans to celebrate this life-changing contract? How did his final conversation with general manager Kent Hughes shape the deal? And perhaps most intriguing of all, why did Hutson turn down an even bigger offer to stay in Montreal?

With exclusive quotes and insider details, this story offers a rare glimpse into the heart of one of hockey’s brightest young stars. Read on to discover what really happened behind the scenes.

Oct 4, 2025; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; Montreal Canadiens right wing Cole Caufield (13) celebrates his goal against the Ottawa Senators with defenseman Lane Hutson (48) during the third period at Bell Centre. Mandatory Credit: David Kirouac-Imagn Images

Photo credit: David Kirouac-Imagn Images

Obviously, the news of the day for the Montreal Canadiens is the announcement of the young Lane Hutson’s contract extension.

Let’s recall that earlier this morning, Hutson and the Montreal Canadiens agreed to an eight-year extension worth a little over $70 million ($8.85 million per year).

Lane Hutson breaks the silence after the announcement of his contract extension

After Kent Hughes and company, it was then the young Hutson’s turn to face the journalists.. And he revealed some very interesting information!

Full press conference:

In this press conference, Hutson notably talked about how he planned to celebrate his contract extension:

Lane Hutson on how he’s going to celebrate his new contract: “I think it’s pretty special we get to play tomorrow so home opener, that’s how I celebrate.”

He also revealed exclusive details about his final conversation with Kent Hughes (over the weekend):

“I have belief that we aren’t far off from being a team that can be a Stanley Cup championship team.. The belief that I have in this group, the staff, coaches, everything we have in place. I think we’re headed in a great direction.”

– Lane Hutson

And finally, he revealed that the “deal” was actually finalized this morning!

The Canadiens really didn’t wait long to make the announcement public. We love it!

It was also reported by Eric Engels that Lane Hutson turned down a bigger offer from Kent Hughes to ensure the team has enough cap space to remain competitive.

“Lane Hutson was offered more but signed for less. He bought himself security and bought the Habs a bit more room to continue building a championship-caliber team.

He wants to win.

He could’ve held out for more and could’ve waited much longer.

Not doing that says a lot about him”

– Eric Engels

What an incredible young man! Congrats Lane!