The and rising star defenseman are reportedly at an impasse in contract discussions that have turned unexpectedly complicated. While both sides are aligned on the money — around $9 million annually — it’s the structure of the deal and finer details that have caused frustration and delay.
According to insiders Darren Dreger of TSN and Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet, the talks have grown tense and even “emotional.” The holdup isn’t about Hutson’s value; it’s about how the contract is structured, particularly around deferred payments linked to Canada’s Retirement Compensation Arrangement (RCA). Montreal views the arrangement as a clever, cap-efficient strategy. Hutson’s representatives, however, remain cautious.
Friedman compared the situation to being “on the five-yard line” — close to completion but still short of the end zone. Dreger went further, describing the situation as “a bit of a mess.” Term length is another sticking point: the Canadiens are pushing for a full eight-year commitment, while Hutson’s camp reportedly prefers a six-year deal.
Hutson, for his part, isn’t adding fuel to the fire. After practice this week, he told reporters, “I try to stay pretty hands-off. Of course I want to be here, who wouldn’t? So it’s all about just working out some kinks. My agents have a job to do and so does management here.” His calm demeanor suggests optimism, even if both sides need time to iron out the wrinkles.
General manager Kent Hughes remains confident that an agreement will be reached, stressing that not all deals move at the same pace. With Hutson still under team control for several years, Montreal isn’t panicking — but the tension is noticeable.
Despite the holdup, Montreal sees Lane Hutson as a foundational piece of their future. The 21-year-old dazzled in his rookie campaign, producing 66 points and earning the Calder Trophy. He’s the kind of player you build around, and both sides know it.
Talks may have cooled temporarily, but they’re expected to resume soon — possibly during the team’s upcoming road trip to Detroit, where Hughes could meet with Hutson’s agency, Quartexx. The firm has even assigned two top agents, Ryan Barnes and Darren Ferris, to handle negotiations, a sign that both camps are serious about resolution.
Still, the emotions are real. As Dreger noted, “There’s a lot of emotion in that negotiation; the family is heavily involved. And wisely, both sides have said, ‘Let’s just put it on hold for now.’”
While Hutson’s season opener didn’t go as planned — finishing with a -2 rating in a 5–2 loss to Toronto — his long-term value isn’t in question. The Canadiens want him in Montreal for years to come; it’s just a matter of how and when both sides can finally cross that goal line together.
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