Lane Hutson just won the Calder Trophy after lighting up the NHL as a rookie, putting up numbers that made veteran defensemen jealous. So why wasn’t he invited to Team USA’s Olympic orientation camp? The snub has hockey fans buzzing, especially after his father made some comments that sent the rumor mill into overdrive about a potential switch to Team Canada.
Is Lane Hutson’s Olympic Snub a Sign of Deeper Issues With Team USA?
The Montreal Canadiens defenseman was left off Team USA’s Olympic orientation camp roster last month, and the decision hasn’t stopped making noise. Fresh off a Calder Trophy win after a dazzling rookie campaign, the 21-year-old wasn’t among the 44 players called to Plymouth, Michigan. Fans questioned the move, and his father’s offhand remarks only cranked up the conversation.
During a recent podcast, Rob Hutson joked about his family’s Canadian roots. He suggested that, if the U.S. didn’t want Hutson, maybe one day the brothers could skate for Canada. The lighthearted line quickly spread, with some wondering if Hutson might really consider a switch.
That speculation didn’t last long. Multiple insiders stressed that playing for Canada was never a serious option.
Hutson already submitted his paperwork with USA Hockey, locking in his eligibility for the 2026 Winter Olympics. His agent, Sean Coffey, tried to cool the chatter, calling the story “15-second clip for clicks.”
Hutson himself kept it professional, wishing his American teammates well and shifting the focus back to his NHL season. The rulebook leaves little wiggle room anyway. Since Hutson suited up for Team USA at the 2023 IIHF World Championship, changing sides would require him to sit out four years of international hockey. In practice, that makes a switch nearly impossible.
According to RG Media’s Marco D’Amico, it was just a snippet to rile up fans.
Even so, Rob Hutson’s comments stirred up plenty of reaction. Analysts pointed out that his son’s omission wasn’t personal. Team USA reportedly leaned toward defensemen with more international experience and felt Hutson’s style overlapped with stars like Quinn Hughes and Zach Werenski.
What Makes Lane Hutson’s Numbers So Hard to Ignore?
Hutson’s numbers make the decision tough to swallow. The rookie defenseman tied the NHL record for assists by a first-year blueliner, finishing with 60. His 66 total points across 82 games put him in rare company for a 21-year-old. To leave that production off an Olympic orientation list struck many fans as puzzling at best.
For his part, Hutson has handled the snub with composure. At a charity event in Brossard, he said his focus is on preparing for another long NHL season.
“I’d love to play [at the Olympics], but you never know what could happen and it’s a long season,” he explained. “If the opportunity presents itself, it’s definitely something I’d love to do.”
For now, Montreal is where Hutson’s attention lies. After a breakout rookie season, expectations around the Canadiens are rising, and Hutson is already viewed as a key piece of the rebuild. The chatter about his Olympic status may linger, but his play suggests he’s keeping his priorities straight.