NHL News: After trading for Noah Dobson, Canadiens reportedly lost all leverage in extension talks with another star

The Montreal Canadiens enjoyed a highly successful 2024-25 NHL season, which in turn has only risen the expectations for the upcoming campaign. However, that’s a challenge the Habs will more than welcome. Especially after trading for defenseman Noah Dobson, who could join another star blueliner in town.

The Canadiens are finally past the rebuild and now built to contend in the NHL. While they haven’t cracked the league’s elite tier just yet, the Habs boast a lineup capable of holding its own against nearly every team in the league.

The defensive side of the puck has only gotten better after the Canadiens acquired Noah Dobston, via trade with the New York Islanders. Dobson now joins a group headlined by Calder Trophy Winner, Lane Hutson. The second-round pick in the 2022 NHL Draft has blossomed into a mature blueliner, taking the league by storm in his debut campaign. Now, he will vie to build on his recent success, as he will enter a contract year.

At the end of the 2025-26 NHL season, Hutson will become a restricted free agent (RFA). Needless to say, the Habs hope to reach an extension as soon as possible. However, reports suggest Montreal may have already sacrificed some leverage—meaning they’ll likely have to foot a hefty bill.

Lane Hutson, #62 pick by the Montreal Canadians, poses for a portrait during the 2022 Upper Deck NHL Draft at Bell Centre on July 08, 2022 in Montreal, Quebec, Canada.

“Regarding Hutson: I’m sure initially the Canadiens wanted him to be under Suzuki’s [contract],” insider Elliotte Friedman said on the 32 Thoughts Podcast. “If Hutson’s going to sign for term, it’s probably going to be up closer to Dobson’s.”

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Dobson’s contract

The 25-year-old blueliner is the newest jewel in the City of Saints’ crown. Montreal gave up Emil Heineman and two 1st-round picks in the 2025 NHL Draft in exchange for the star defenseman. Those two selections turned into Victor Eklund and Kashawn Aitcheson for the Isles, taken with the 16th and 17th overall picks, respectively.

Meanwhile, the Habs took on Dobson’s brand-new deal, which he had signed in Long Island. Now, Dobson is inked to an eight-year, $76 million extension, which runs through the 2032-33 season.

Noah Dobson #8 of the New York Islanders scores at 9:07 of the second period against the Nashville Predators at UBS Arena on April 06, 2024 in Elmont, New York.

Dobson will boast job security after his first year in Montreal. Ahead of the 2026-27 NHL season, his contract will include a modified no-trade clause (M-NTC), including a 14-team no trade list. Under this deal, Dobson will earn an average salary of $9.5 million over the next eight years.

Making ends meet

According to Friedman’s reports, Hutson could be in line for a contract similar in value. However, it would require some maneuvering on the Canadiens’ part. To create the necessary cap space for such a lucrative extension, Montreal would likely need to move on from contracts like those of Patrik Laine and Mike Matheson—both set to become UFAs after next season.