Patrik Laine and the Montreal Canadiens might be heading into the final NHL season together. However, reports indicate that will not be the fate a key defenseman on the Habs will run after the 2025-26 campaign.
The Canadiens enjoyed several pleasant surprises during the 2024-25 NHL season. On the one hand, the team evolved and proved to be a playoff team in a stacked Atlantic Division. On the other hand, rookie defenseman Lane Hutson blossomed into one of the best in the league.
After taking home the Calder Trophy as the best rookie in the NHL, Hutson is only expected to build on it during his second full 82-game season. That is, of course, if he escapes the sophomore slump curse. The Habs certainly hope so and have the utmost confidence in the 21-year-old blueliner.
No worries
Such is the belief in Hutson that reports now indicate the Canadiens will do whatever is necessary to keep the youngster in the City of Saints. Once his entry-level contract (ELC) expires after the 2025-26 season, Hutson will become a restricted free agent (RFA). Unless the Habs and Hutson agree to terms before next summer, he could receive offer sheets from other NHL teams. However, Laine and company have nothing to worry about.
Lane Hutson #48 of the Montreal Canadiens at the Bell Centre on October 12, 2024 in Montreal, Quebec, Canada.
“I know people in Montreal are panicking about why isn’t Lane Hutson signed yet. Lane Hutson will get signed. He’s not going anywhere,” analyst Pierre McGuire said on Toronto Sports Rush.
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“He’s a restricted free agent. Even if he doesn’t sign now, they will get—and if somebody tried to make a predatory offer on him, guaranteed Montreal’s going to match.”
Laine’s choice
Laine’s $8.7 million AAV contract is one that raises several eyebrows in Montreal. As it stands, the Canadiens sit $5.9 million over the NHL salary cap limit, so moving on from Laine’s deal seems like a no-brainer.
Whether the Habs are interested in working out an extension with the Finn or not, that’s a whole other story. Regardless, Laine is not too worried—for the first time in his career, he holds his cards for the future.
Patrik Laine #92 of the Montreal Canadiens prior to the game against the Toronto Maple Leafs on January 18, 2025 in Montreal, Quebec, Canada.
“It’s a little different from what I’m used to,” Laine told Finnish site Helsingin Sanomat. “Before, I’ve always just gone to whoever owns my rights. Next summer, I get to decide for myself. It’s a nice and great situation.”
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Where to next?
Laine’s statement shows two things: on the one hand, he is confident about his level of production going into next season. The 27-year-old knows he can create his own luck, if the puck goes in early in the season, he can be unstoppable in the goalscoring charts.
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On the other hand, Laine’s comments raise alarms in Montreal. He isn’t desperate to sign with the Canadiens. Although the Habs don’t desperately need him—or so they try to convince themselves—Laine provides a large share of the Canadiens’ goals. If he were to leave, someone would have to fill in. Despite missing 30 games last season, the Finnish sniper tallied 20 goals, becoming the fourth-leading goal scorer in Quebec’s Metropolis.
