Lane Hutson not pushing for an eight-year contract, believes Darren Dreger

Will Lane Hutson sign a contract before the start of the season? It's probably unlikely, at this point. Obviously, the Canadiens and the player want to come to an agreement. But right now, it's hard to believe that the gap between the two sides can be bridged between now and the Toronto game, so Hutson will have to play with that in mind. No matter how much we say he shouldn't mind, he's only human. And having $72 million on your mind at that age changes your life.So, what's the latest on this player with little negotiating power?

According to what Darren Dreger told Early Trading(TSN) and Montreal radio(TSN 690) yesterday, the player is aiming for more of a six-year contract – not eight like the club.

EARLY TRADING – @DarrenDreger on reaction to Connor McDavid's extension, latest on Habs/Lane Hutson, Jets/Kyle Connor and Sens/Carter Yakemchuk: https://t.co/nDhXCf5PkN

Watch an expanded Insider Trading later today on SportsCentre and https://t.co/BQGeAnElqf. pic.twitter.com/6UwrGYOlUm– TSN Hockey (@TSNHockey) October 7, 2025

Why six years? It's easy to make connections with the fact that GM Kent Hughes said his player was seven years away from full autonomy – so far from leaving Montreal.Seven years plus the year already played, that's quite a few years of control, it seems to me. Normally, we're talking about seven full years before autonomy – and Hutson already has one behind the tie.But hey. If the GM is right, one last year of entry-level contract plus a contract to buy his last six years of control, that's… seven. #Maths436

Kent Hughes on Lane Hutson: “Fans have nothing to worry about. He won't be a free agent (without compensation) for another 7 years.”

@CanadiensMTL @TVASports

– Renaud Lavoie (@renlavoietva) October 6, 2025

More and more, players seem to be taking inspiration from other sports. Example? Reaching full autonomy more quickly like in baseball, signing smaller contracts once they reach autonomy (to return to the market and take advantage of rising prices) like in basketball…

These are techniques we didn't see as often in the NHL, but which seem to be becoming fashionable. #LogiqueDreger also reports that the Habs GM and Hutson's agent (who is represented by Quartexx) may meet in Detroit tomorrow, on the heels of the Habs game in Michigan. Will it happen? And if so, will everyone be able to put emotions aside and negotiate as effectively as possible? Will a new offer be submitted? In

my opinion, expect Lane Hutson to be under contract with an extension before the Habs' opening game at the Bell Centre on October 14: 6 years at 8.75 or 7 years at 9.15 peak.twitter.com/twOpEeQg4d

– David Ettedgui (@EttedguiDavid) October 8, 2025

'Overtime'

– Seen the same.

Huge piece of business done as @DarrenDreger reports #nhljets signed Kyle Connor to 8-year, $96 million extension.

It's the richest deal in franchise history – by nearly $37 million. For context, 14 years ago the entire Jets franchise was purchased in Atlanta for $110 million. – Frank Seravalli (@frank_seravalli) October 8, 2025

– What do you think?

Former Blue Jays All-Star Vernon Wells shared his thoughts on John Schneider's decision to pull Shane Bieber after 53 pitches in Game 3 vs. Yankees.

(H/T @VernonWells10) pic.twitter.com/0UWSJVynhs– TSN (@TSN_Sports) October 8, 2025

– Well done.

MSL on Samuel Blais:

“These are tough decisions. We knew this kind of thing could happen. I wish him the best. He's a good hockey player” – Anthony Martineau (@Antho_Martineau) October 7, 2025