What if Cole Hutson, selected 43rd overall by the Washington Capitals, became better than his brother Lane, already considered one of the most promising young defensemen in the NHL?
That’s the question that’s been on everyone’s lips since Cole established himself as a rising star at the World Junior Championship.
On Tuesday, against Canada, he shined with a goal and an assist, leading his team to a decisive victory against their arch-rivals.
With eight points in four games, Cole Hutson is currently the tournament’s leading scorer, tied with Axel Sandin Pellikka, another star defenseman belonging to the Detroit Red Wings.
It’s not just his production that impresses, but also the way he plays.
David Carle, the American coach, was full of praise:
“Hutson, my God! He is really dynamic. I knew he was good with the puck, but I didn’t think he was that good. His way of deceiving the opponent and attacking is exceptional. »
Even Ryan Leonard, the captain of the United States, is under the spell:
“He’s a big-occasion player. His vision of the game is incredible and, what’s more, he scores important goals. He is an essential part of our team. »
In comparison, at 18 years old, Lane had only scored four points in seven games during the same tournament in 2023. Cole, with double his statistics, is already establishing himself as a formidable offensive threat.
Fans of the Montreal Canadiens, dreaming of seeing the Hutson brothers reunited, quickly understood that this scenario would not materialize.
But everything changed when Kent Hughes orchestrated a major trade to move up to 21st overall and select Michael Hage. (by sending the 26th pick, the 57th pick and the 198th pick)
Some thought Hughes would trade his 57th pick and another pick to try to move up into the 2nd round to select Lane Hutson’s brother.
But Nick Bobrov, the CH recruiting director, had a clear vision:
Two small offensive defenders on the same team? No, thank you.
A choice that still divides today, as Cole proves that he could surpass his brother.
If Cole gets past Lane, it will be a huge accomplishment. Lane, the NHL’s rookie of the month for December, has scored 26 points in 37 games this season with the Canadiens.
With 13 points in 14 games in December, he established himself alongside elite defensemen like Quinn Hughes, Zach Werenski and Cale Makar.
Cole, for his part, has never hidden his ambition:
“Obviously I want to be better than him. It’s a healthy competition between us. We love each other very much and we want the best for each other. »
Lane, always humble, recognizes his younger brother’s potential:
“He deserves everything that happens to him. The best is yet to come for him. »
Did the Washington Capitals make a steal by selecting Cole Hutson at 43rd overall?
Cole’s current performance leaves little doubt. If his talent continues to develop as expected, this pick could be considered one of the masterstrokes of the 2024 draft.
For the Canadiens, the question remains open: did they make a mistake by letting Cole Hutson pass? Lane will now have to prove that he is up to it to remain the best Hutson in the NHL.
One thing is crystal clear: this sibling rivalry is far from over, and hockey fans will be reaping the rewards for years to come.
The fact remains that for the Hutson brothers, whatever their rivalry, they have a common goal…a common revenge…
The draft isn’t just a step in their career, it’s a personal matter. Cole Hutson, selected 43rd overall by the Washington Capitals, is pursuing a mission: to prove that he and his brother Lane, drafted late (62nd) by the Montreal Canadiens, are players that recruiters underestimated.
Together, they write a story of revenge on a system that failed to recognize their talent in time.
“For the whole family, it has become a personal matter,” says Cole.
“Lane deserved to be selected much earlier. And now it’s up to both of us to prove they made a mistake. »
Drafted 62nd overall in 2022, Lane Hutson quickly silenced the skeptics. With 26 points in 37 games this season in the NHL, he has established himself as an elite defenseman, earning the Rookie of the Month award for December.
His sparkling performances show that he should have been selected much earlier, and Cole is quick to point out this injustice.
“Every team would want Lane now, after shunning him,” lance Cole.
“And I’m the one most like him.” The recruiters even made a mistake twice. »
His coach is in love with him.
“He’s in the same category as Quinn Hughes, Adam Fox and Charlie McAvoy,” says the American head coach.
“His performances speak for themselves. »
For both brothers, the draft has become a constant source of motivation. Lane, with his impressive statistics, and Cole, by becoming one of the best junior defenders, are showing everyone who doubted them that they were wrong.
“We were all frustrated with the Lane draft,”
“But his early success paved the way for Cole. Now both show that modern hockey belongs to intelligent and creative players. »
Cole, for his part, does not hide his desire to do better than his brother while sharing his success.
“Lane and I have different backgrounds, but we have the same goal: to prove that the Hutsons are here to stay. »
The case of the Hutson brothers could well change the way recruiters evaluate young talents. Long underestimated for their size or their offensive style of play, Lane and Cole prove that they have the qualities necessary to excel at the highest level.
“They still think hockey is played like the old days, but the game has evolved,” analyse Cole.
“Now intelligence is just as important as looks. »
As Lane continues to shine with the Canadiens and Cole prepares to make his mark with the Capitals, the Hutson family is showing they are a true dynasty in the making.
With their exceptional skills and determination to succeed, the two brothers are redefining the standards for modern defenders.
The message is merciless: ignoring players like Lane and Cole Hutson is a mistake scouts can no longer afford to repeat.
