It appears Montreal Canadiens defenceman Lane Hutson remains along shotto make Team USA’s roster for the Olympics in February.
Hutson was not one of the 44 players named to Team USA’s Olympic Orientation Camp in August and general manager Bill Guerin appears to remain unconvinced there’s a spot for the reigning Calder Trophy winner on the roster.
“He’s a good player, but we only have room for so many players,” Guerin told Michael Traikos of The Hockey News on Tuesday. “I don’t know if it’s his time right now.”
Hutson shut down speculation on his international playing future in September, stating he’s “proud to be American” as the Canadiens opened training camp.
His father, Rob, sparked talk on his international future earlier in the month when he noted on the Recrutes Habscast that his three sons, including Lane and Washington Capitals prospect Cole Hutson, are dual citizens who also hold Canadian passports.
“What clip?” Hutson joked at the team’s annual golf tournament. “He gets emotional and sometimes that gets the best of you and you say things you don’t mean. It maybe gets taken out of context or whatever, but I’m proud to be American. I love USA Hockey, they’ve done so much for me.
“Also, I love playing in Canada and I’m very fortunate, but I’m a USA Hockey player and that’s how it is.”
Hutson has one goal and five points in seven games this season as the Canadiens have started 5-2-0. He inked an eight-year, $70.8 million contract extension with the team on the eve of the season.
The 21-year-old blueliner recorded six goals last season and led all rookies with 60 assists and 66 points while averaging 22:44 of ice time. The Holland, Mich., native added five assists in five playoff games before the Canadiens were eliminated by the Washington Capitals in the first round.
