Cole Hutson is set to return to action for the United States in the World Junior Quarterfinals, after recovering from an injury. The U.S. team will face Finland on Friday at the Grand Casino Arena in St. Paul, Minnesota, kicking off at 6 p.m. ET. This match is significant as it marks a crucial stage in the 2026 IIHF World Junior Championship.
Hutson’s Injury and Recovery
The 19-year-old defenseman, who was selected by the Washington Capitals in the second round of the 2024 NHL Draft, previously suffered a concussion. He was injured during a game against Switzerland on December 27, where he was struck in the back of the head by a puck. Hutson was immediately taken off the ice on a stretcher.
Reflecting on his injury, Hutson described it as a terrifying experience. “I just got knocked out cold and woke up and couldn’t move anything on my body,” he shared. He is now eager to make a full recovery before returning to play.
Performance Ahead of the Quarterfinals
Before his injury, Hutson had delivered strong performances in the tournament, contributing two assists and averaging 18:42 of ice time. He holds a plus-5 rating and has recorded four shots on goal in this championship.
Notable Achievements
- Currently has 13 points in nine career World Junior games.
- Needs one point to tie Erik Johnson for the most career points by a U.S. defenseman at the World Juniors.
- Needs one assist to surpass Ryan Suter’s record of 10 assists, becoming the all-time leader among U.S. defensemen.
At Boston University, Hutson has had a standout season with 20 points (seven goals, 13 assists) and a plus-8 rating in 18 games. Last season, he received the Tim Taylor Award as the NCAA’s top rookie after scoring 48 points, including 14 goals and 34 assists.
Looking Ahead: U.S. vs. Finland
The upcoming match against Finland promises to be challenging. Hutson stated, “It’s going to be a dogfight. They’re an unbelievable team.” The U.S. aims to secure their position in the tournament amidst tough competition.
Boasting a history of success, the United States has won two consecutive gold medals in the World Juniors and aspires to achieve a third title. This would mark a significant feat, as no country has won three straight championships since Canada’s streak of five from 2005 to 2009.
