Overview

• As of mid-August, negotiations remain productive with both sides describing a deliberate timeline and no sense of urgency.
• Hutson’s pending 10.2(c) restricted free agent status after 2025-26 shields him from arbitration and offer sheets while preserving Montreal’s negotiating leverage.
• Recent deals for top young defensemen—such as Evan Bouchard’s $10.5 million AAV and Ivan Provorov’s $8.5 million contract—have pushed expectations for Hutson’s annual salary into the $8–10 million range.
• A long-term extension would cement Hutson’s role in Montreal’s emerging defensive core alongside Noah Dobson and influence cap planning around Mike Matheson’s contract year.
• Analysts say finalizing a deal now could save the Canadiens money in the long run and help them set the market for other rising blueliners.