Lane Hutson: “I think his contract talks are affecting him,” says Elliotte Friedman

Lane Hutson has one point in three games so far this season, and he opened his account Saturday night in Chicago with an assist on Kaiden Guhle's late goal to give the Habs the win. That said, Hutson isn't off to the greatest start in the world… and there may be a reason for that. after all, there are a thousand and one rumours about his next contract. Everyone's been talking about it for a few weeks now, because the defenseman hasn't signed his deal yet… even if he liked the idea of it being settled over the summer. And doesn't he want to, with all the noise surrounding his contract discussions with the Canadiens, it can become a bit of a distraction on the ice. Elliotte Friedman(32 Thoughts Podcast) thinks it's having an impact on his performance:

I think it's affecting Hutson.

–

Elliotte Friedman

For sure, Hutson is thinking about his contract.

Fact: Lane Hutson will have to be better than that if he wants to earn $10 million a season

– Maxime Truman (@MaximeTruman) October 12, 2025

Lane Hutson is 21 years old. He's never been in a situation like this before, he's about to break the bank, we know that discussions between his clan and the Habs' have become more emotional… and clearly, that can have an effect on his play on the ice. Because it's inevitable, in a way: Hutson wants to prove to management that he deserves to earn as much money as possible. And if he starts playing with the idea that he has to be good, that's when he can start doing or thinking too much on the ice. The Canadiens need to know that, too. Kent Hughes, a former player's agent, clearly understands the situation, and it makes you wonder if it can change the GM's plan because he wants to see his team succeed this season. And for that to happen, the Canadiens need Lane Hutson 100% focused. We saw what happened last season, after all… Hutson had a fantastic first year in the NHL, winning the Calder Trophy, and he was a big part of the Habs' playoff run. That's the Hutson we all want to see… Spacer title='Prolongation'] – Boom.

Rempe with a nice hit on Tom Wilson #NYR pic.twitter.com/6H4ATpx80e

– David (@DaveyUpper) October 13, 2025

– Three players picked up a point yesterday in the only game presented (Capitals vs Rangers). Caps won 1-0:

– 10 games today in the NHL.