The dad of Montreal Canadiens‘ star defenseman Lane Hutson shared a bold take on his playing future.
Hutson was shockingly not invited to Team USA’s Olympic camp, despite 16 defensemen getting invited. It was a major surprise, and now Rob Hutson – who was born in Canada – says Lane may play for Canada at International events now, as Lane is a dual citizen.
Lane Hutson’s father, Rob, on his son being snubbed from Team USA’s Olympic summer camp.
Could you imagine…? 😳🇨🇦
(via: YT/Recrutes Habscast, @grantmccagg)
“Listen, you never know what happens in the future. My boys are also Canadian. So, there’s an absolute luxury there,” Hutson said. “A lot of great players have been left off the selection for Olympics and things like that. I think Brett Hull might have been one of them, he voted with his feet, he went from Canada to the US, there is all types of scenarios, I wouldn’t say in play but are possibilities.”
Players with dual citizenships switching to play for another country is nothing new, and Hutson could be the latest to do so. Although Hutson would have his hands full to make Team Canada, he would be on a short list to make the team, while he apparetly isn’t even in the running to make Team USA.
But, for now, Hutson will remain elgible to represent Team USA. But, his dad says it is a possibility he represents Canada.
Insider Details Why Hutson Was Left Off Camp Roster
Hutson is a star defenseman in the NHL, but he wasn’t invited to USA’s camp which was a surprise.
However, NHL insider Marco D’Amico of RG.org revealed there are a couple of reasons why he wasn’t invited.
“He didn’t go to the World Championships; that’s the first part and that matters,” the source told RG. “I know that for both Canada and the United States, that weighs heavily on the decision-making because they have such deep talent pools. One could argue that they could both put together two squads and still compete for gold.”
Hutson, meanwhile, also is an offensive defenseman and USA already has Quinn Hughes to fill that role, so whether they wanted another offensive defenseman was uncertain.
But, despite Hutson not being named to the orienatation camp, he still could make the Olympic roster.
“The roster isn’t getting decided there, and no one is getting cut,” the source said. “All of that will be decided from October to December on the ice. So, if Hutson goes out and does what he did for long stretches last season, then I still think because of the injury history of some of the guys going to camp, he has a chance to make the Olympic roster.”
Hutson recorded 6 goals and 60 assists for 66 points in 82 games as he won the Calder Trophy as the Rookie of the Year.
Canadiens GM Won’t Comment on Hutson Extension
The focus for Hutson now turns to the season and helping the Canadiens win games and make the playoffs again.
Hutson is entering the final year of his entry-level deal and is elgible to sign an extension. However, Canadiens’ general manager Kent Hughes wouldn’t comment on if they were discussing an extension.
“I’d prefer to say nothing,” Hughes said. “We’ve always said nothing in terms of commenting on contracts, so we’ll work away on things. I’ve always believed that when people make comments, things get misinterpreted, expectations are created and false narratives. Like we’ve done with every other player, when the contract’s concluded, then we’ll announce it.”
Hutson will once again be a vital piece for the Canadiens’ roster this season.
Dad of Star Canadiens’ Defenseman Shares Bold Take on His Playing Future