Pierre McGuire speculates Canadiens' next move if RFA Lane Hutson receives 'predatory' offer from other NHL teams

The Montreal Canadiens are reportedly in early contract extension talks with defenseman Lane Hutson, who became eligible to sign an extension on July 1 as a restricted free agent following his standout rookie season.

Hutson won the Calder Trophy as the top rookie last term. He is widely considered as one of the best upcoming defensemen in the league, with the Habs seeing him as a key piece of the team's future.

On a recent episode of the Toronto Sports Rush, NHL analyst Pierre McGuire speculated on the Habs' next move if Lane Hutson receives an offer from another NHL team.

McGuire explained that even if Hutson remains unsigned, the Canadiens will eventually secure him, and if another team attempts a predatory offer, the Habs are guaranteed to match it.

"I know people in Montreal are panicking about why isn't Lane Hutson signed yet. Lane Hutson will get signed. He's not going anywhere. He's a restricted free agent. Even if he doesn't sign now, they will get—and they, if let's just say somebody tried to make a predatory offer on him, guaranteed Montreal's going to match, which is their right on an RFA," McGuire said (13:00 onwards).

According to reports, Lane Hutson could sign a long-term extension, ranging from $8.8 million to $9.5 milliion AAV.

NHL analyst believes there is no conversation behind closed doors regarding Lane Hutson's extension

NHL analyst Marco D’Amico of RG Media provided insights into the contract extension talks between the Montreal Canadiens and Lane Hutson.

He suggested that while the exact details remain unclear, the negotiations appear to be characterized by a very amicable back-and-forth process.

"We'll never really know exactly, but from what I was told, there's no one really driving the conversations. It's a very amicable back and forth.”

He also stated that the Habs are in no immediate rush to finalize the deal, as the club is entering a new era of signing contracts. Hutson is entering the final year of his three-year, $2.85 million contract. The 21-year-old will become a restructed free agent after the end of the 2025-26 season.

Also Read: NHL analyst updates what's going on behind closed doors between Canadiens & star D-man

About the author

Abhishek is an NHL writer at Sportskeeda with over 2 years of sports reporting experience and a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Delhi. He became a fan of ice hockey after watching NHL fight videos on YouTube, which led to him professionally writing about the sport and his continued interest in all things hockey.

A fan of the Boston Bruins, Abhishek considers their incredible comeback win against the Toronto Maple Leafs in the 2013 playoffs as the most iconic moment in the NHL. His admiration for the six-time Stanley Cup winners also comes from the team’s storied history, distinctive black and gold uniform and their success in the sport. His all-time favorite NHL players are Sidney Crosby and Connor McDavid, for their ability to perform at the highest level consistently.

Abhishek ensures his reporting is fair and balanced by being well-researched in his details, which he expects to be relevant, up-to-date and in line with ethical standards. His specialties are doing detailed match analysis and covering fan reactions.

Abhishek enjoys music, traveling and going on walks with his three German Shepherds in his free time, along with learning about horticulture.

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Edited by Abhishek Dilta