Although it is going to be a tough ladder to climb for the Washington Capitals to reach the playoffs this season, one thing they definitely can't complain about is how successful their youth movement has been over the last couple of years, and Cole Hutson, former 43rd overall pick in 2024, is the newest young revelation for the Caps. Hutson, who signed his pro deal with the Capitals and started his first game the other night, has shined in his first three starts on NHL ice, and his transition to true senior hockey looks effortless.
Scoring himself a total of three points in his first three games, including a debut goal in the form of an empty netter, it isn't just his point production which has shined about Hutson, it his all around game, and how he is looking like a guy who has played in the league for years, making the game look somewhat easy.
Through the first three games of his NHL career, it is massively obvious his skating and puck moving ability is his number one asset. Being brothers with the Montreal Canadiens own Lane Hutson, it seems like this free flowing, exuberant skating runs in the family, and already is setting Cole apart in Washington.
Cole might not be a guy who is going to come in and guide the team to a postseason spot instantly, but having already averaged 17 minutes a game, and being one of the more noticeable players on the puck in his first three games, it is safe to say that Hutson is soon to be a massive asset on the Capitals forward line, and good things are to come next season. Just like the Capitals did last year with Ryan Leonard the former Boston College and first round pick, Hutson has arguably made an even smoother transition so far, and who knows how good he could go on to be next season.
With all three Hutson brothers now in the NHL in the form of Lane, Cole, and Quinn, Cole looks more than capable of following in the footsteps of his brother Lane, and is 100% going to be a guy on Calder watch next season if his game continues to progress at this level. Washington are getting older, but this slow funnelling of young talent is paying off, and Cole Hutson may be the best addition yet.