Lane Hutson’s impact on the Montreal Canadiens has been nothing short of remarkable. In just a short time, he’s managed to capture the hearts of fans and establish himself as a key piece of the team’s future.

As speculation swirls about his next contract, all eyes are on how the Canadiens’ front office will approach negotiations with their rising star. With Hutson set to become a restricted free agent in 2026, the question isn’t just about what he’s worth on the open market, but whether he’s willing to take less to help Montreal build a contender.

The stakes are high, and the outcome could shape the direction of the franchise for years to come. As rumors intensify and experts weigh in, one thing is clear: Lane Hutson’s next move could be a game-changer for the Canadiens and their passionate fanbase.

Photo credit: David Kirouac-Imagn Images

Lane Hutson quickly became a fan favorite in Montreal. His electrifying play and love for the game have won over the Montreal Canadiens faithful.

While he’s set to become a restricted free agent on July 1, 2026, it wouldn’t be surprising to see a deal signed before then.

It could even happen this summer, as Kent Hughes has shown he doesn’t like to let these situations drag on.

On that note, many already believe Hutson will become one of the league’s highest-paid defensemen when he signs his next deal.

Not everyone agrees with that, including Georges Laraque, who thinks Hutson might be willing to sign for less in order to stay in the city and help build a contender.

A contract just slightly higher than Nick Suzuki’s for Lane Hutson?

That would be a massive gift for the Canadiens.

While appearing on the HabsolumentFan podcast, hosted by Pascal Cameron and Marco Normandin, the former NHL enforcer made a big statement:

“We all know that if he wants, he can get eight times ten.

He deserves it.

That’s for sure, he deserves it [] This guy just loves hockey so much.

He doesn’t have the mindset of someone who’s going to ask his agent.. The Canadiens want a salary hierarchy, with Suzuki being the highest paid [] Lane Hutson loves hockey so much, I don’t see him as the kind of guy to make big demands, asking for $10 million a year.

I’d be surprised if his contract is more than $8.5M. That would be a bargain [] He’s already beloved in Montreal, you might as well give him the keys to the city.”

– Georges Laraque

Let’s be clear, Laraque isn’t saying Hutson doesn’t deserve a big salary. He’s simply suggesting that the young defenseman might be willing to accept less than his actual market value.

Just imagine locking up Lane Hutson through the end of the 2033-34 season for under $9 million a year.

That would be a steal, especially as he enters his prime in 2,3 years.

Currently, the highest-paid defenseman in the NHL is Erik Karlsson at $11.5M annually. He’s followed by Rasmus Dahlin ($11M), Drew Doughty ($11M), Zach Werenski ($9.53M), and Adam Fox ($9.5M). One of the league’s top blueliners, Cale Makar, earns only $9M per year.

It’ll be interesting to see how Kent Hughes handles this situation, and more importantly, whether Lane Hutson truly is willing to stay in Montreal at a discount.