Guerin said he “doesn’t know if it’s his time right now,” despite Lane Hutson earning a spot on the preliminary roster ahead of the 2026 Winter Games.
Hutson’s Stellar Rise
Lane Hutson, 21, made a huge leap in the NHL last season with the Montreal Canadiens, earned the Calder Memorial Trophy and put up 66 points as a rookie defenseman. Furthermore, he ranks among the top U.S.-born defenders in scoring this year, showing off offensive skill and ice-time importance.
Why There’s Uncertainty
Despite Hutson’s performance, Team USA faces tough decisions. Guerin emphasised that chemistry matters when plugging players into a short Olympic tournament. He pointed to Hutson’s lack of invitation to the August orientation camp and his absence from the 4 Nations Face-Off event as factors.
Additionally, the U.S. possesses a deep defensive pool with veterans like Quinn Hughes and Zach Werenski, which makes the pathway more challenging for a young player.
Hutson’s Dual Identity Adds Drama
Hutson holds dual U.S. and Canadian citizenship through his father, who is Canadian-born. That fact has stirred speculation around his international future, even though Hutson reaffirmed his commitment to Team USA. His father’s public remarks added fuel to the conversation about whether Hutson might one day suit up for Canada.
What’s Next for Hutson
If Hutson keeps producing at his current pace, his case will become harder to ignore. However, making the Olympic roster will not only require high performance but also proving readiness for international competition, fitting into team dynamics, and likely waiting for opportunity.
The next few months will prove pivotal. Hutson and his camp will be watching selection processes closely while focusing on staying healthy and dominant in the NHL.
