One big 2026 RFA to watch as this 25-26 season approaches is the Montreal Canadiens Lane Hutson. The 2025 Calder winning defenseman for the Habs will be due a new deal upon conclusion of this season.
The 21 year old American impressed for the Canadiens last season, amassing 6 goals and a whopping 60 assists on the Montreal blueline. His performance was so impressive he beat vaunted competition for rookie of the year, including the likes of Macklin Celebrini, Matvei Michkov and Dustin Wolf.
Hutson will be expected to take another step forward this season for a Canadiens team that will have expectations of being in contention. With that said, another story to watch will be what happens on the Huston extension front.
What is the latest on Lane Hutson?
Via insider Pierre LeBrun, the Canadiens reportedly wanted to get an extension with Hutson done before this season and not have to worry about it next summer. They have been aggressive in their attempts, but have not succeeded making it likely talks will have to be pushed to next offseason.
The Hutson camp will likely look at the recent $9 million deal signed by a fellow promising young USA defenseman in Luke Hughes as a contract comp. If Hughes will be making that much on a long term deal, the Hutson camp will likely look at that deal as the floor for what Lane's contract will come in at.
With the cap continuing to rise and the marketplace for star NHL players contracts shifting, the Lane Hutson contract could be $10 million plus per season depending on how he performs this season. This will be a situation to monitor all year as Montreal aims to lock up their defenseman of the future.