As the Montreal Canadiens prepare for a season filled with anticipation and high hopes, one storyline has quietly captivated fans and insiders alike.

The future of Lane Hutson—a dazzling young defenseman whose rookie year turned heads across the NHL—remains shrouded in mystery, with contract talks taking an unexpected turn.

While many expected Hutson’s signing to be a straightforward process, echoing the swift deals of past rising stars, months have passed with no official agreement in sight.

Yet, beneath the surface, the situation appears far more complex and intriguing than it seems. Renowned NHL insider Elliotte Friedman has just dropped a cryptic update, hinting that Canadiens general manager Kent Hughes might be orchestrating negotiations behind closed doors, far from the prying eyes of the hockey world.

The silence surrounding Hutson’s contract has only fueled speculation, leaving fans to wonder whether something monumental is brewing in Montreal.

What could be the reason for this unusual secrecy? Is a blockbuster deal in the works, or are there unexpected obstacles holding up the process?

As whispers grow louder and the season draws closer, the fate of Lane Hutson is quickly becoming one of the most compelling mysteries in the league. The answers may surprise everyone.

Mar 30, 2025; Sunrise, Florida, USA; Montreal Canadiens defenseman Lane Hutson (48) shoots the puck against the Florida Panthers during the first period at Amerant Bank Arena. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images

Photo credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images

The potential signing of young Montreal Canadiens defenseman Lane Hutson continues to stir conversation.

Several observers, myself included, thought it would happen on July 1st, just like it did with Juraj Slafkovsky.

However, several months later (and on the eve of the season), Lane Hutson still does not have a contract in hand for next season.

It’s obviously not disastrous, but it has raised some questions..

That said, the well-known Elliotte Friedman (Sportsnet) has just made a very intriguing statement on the matter.

Kent Hughes working on Lane Hutson’s signing, secretly and away from insiders?

Normally, when contract extension negotiations intensify, NHL insiders report it and you can feel the situation progressing.

However, in Lane Hutson’s case, it’s complete radio silence (which is extremely rare).

Elliotte Friedman: Re Lane Hutson: “I wouldn’t be surprised if they’re working on this and keeping it out of the public eye” – La Poche Bleue.

Good news!

So, even if publicly it seems like absolutely nothing is happening in this case, everything indicates that something is clearly happening behind the scenes regarding Lane Hutson’s long-term signing in Montreal.

Hutson, 21 years old, is a left-handed defenseman standing 5-foot-9 and weighing 162 pounds, drafted in the 2nd round by the Montreal Canadiens in 2022.

He collected 66 points in 82 games last season, his rookie year, while maintaining a -2 rating.