OTTAWA | The question came from a colleague, in the interview area of the Canadian Tire Center, while the media awaited the arrival of Canadian head coach Dave Cameron, the day after the defeat against the Americans: what if Cole Was Hutson better than his brother, Lane?
A legitimate question, certainly, and more than relevant. On Tuesday, the younger brother of the Canadian defender was probably the most dangerous skater offensively for the Americans. He scored his team’s first goal, then was complicit in the second, that of Danny Nelson, which would become the winning goal.
Top scorer of the tournament
At the end of the preliminary round, the Washington Capitals prospect sits first in tournament scoring with eight points in four games, tied with another defenseman, Axel Sandin Pellikka of Sweden. His five assists against Germany helped, but still.
For comparison, Lane had four points in seven games at the same age as Cole, at 18, in 2023, then followed up with a six-point production in the following tournament.
“Hutson, my God! He is really dynamic, exclaimed his trainer David Carle. 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.
“He’s a big-occasion player. His vision of the game is incredible and he is currently scoring important goals. He’s an important part of our team,” added American captain Ryan Leonard.
A brotherly competition
We will still have to wait before knowing if Cole can really do better than his brother in the NHL.
After all, Lane has 26 points in 37 games this season and just won the NHL Rookie of the Month award for December, a month in which he scored 13 points in 14 games, the fourth highest total of the month. among defensemen, behind Quinn Hughes (17), Zach Werenski (16) and Cale Makar (14).
“Obviously I want to be better than him. It’s a healthy competition between the two of us. We love each other a lot and want the best for each other,” Cole admitted.
The youngest brother never hid this love. On several occasions last year, he lost his temper in the media when asked about the doubts that remained about his brother’s potential among the professionals.
A few months later, let’s say Lane proves him right.
“It doesn’t completely surprise me to see the success he’s having. He is one of the hardest workers I have met in my life. He deserves everything that happens to him and the best is yet to come.”
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