The Real Reason Lane Hutson Was Snubbed From Team USA Emerges Publicly
Photo credit: Edit from Sportsnet
The real reason that Canadiens' Lane Hutson was snubbed from Team USA was partially due to his passing on the chance to play in the World Championships.
USA Hockey raised some eyebrows this week by leaving out Montreal Canadiens defenseman and recent Calder Trophy recipient Lane Hutson from its Men's Olympic orientation camp roster.
Lane Hutson's initial season with the league was sensational for a six-goal, 60-assist rookie. But as one NHL source testified, statistics aren't always what sends out the camp invites.
"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.
So, other stuff comes into play and showing up for the Worlds when you have the chance, goes a long way to playing in the Olympics. I know a lot of fans and media didn't believe that when Nick Suzuki wasn't invited to the Four Nations after he didn't go to the Worlds, but that was the case then, too. So, if Hutson really wanted to be at this camp, he should've been there for the World Championships."
So, other stuff comes into play and showing up for the Worlds when you have the chance, goes a long way to playing in the Olympics. I know a lot of fans and media didn't believe that when Nick Suzuki wasn't invited to the Four Nations after he didn't go to the Worlds, but that was the case then, too. So, if Hutson really wanted to be at this camp, he should've been there for the World Championships."
Team USA opted to stick with what they knew and trusted in terms of chemistry and familiarity, handing invites to players like Jackson Lacombe, Brady Skjei, and Alex Vlasic, all of whom helped win World Championship gold last May.
20-year-old Frank Nazar, who had signed on with the Chicago Blackhawks in a record-breaking contract for seven years, had a big finish to the season that culminated in a strong outing at the World Championships. He had drawn his fair share of accolades from USA Hockey officials.
For Hutson, however, his absence is the result of more than mere roster politics. USA Hockey has a surplus of undersized, offense-oriented defensemen already, according to the same source.
Despite not receiving an Invite, Hutson Still has a Shot to make the Olympic Roster
His failure to receive an invite for the camp isn't the end of his Olympic hopes, especially since orientation is not a training camp and features no on-ice work.
Instead, it fuels Hutson's fire. Having just come off a fantastic rookie year, he was already intent on upping his game.
Now, with the chance to prove to Team USA they were wrong, Hutson's drive might just be what the Canadiens need as they attempt to get back into Stanley Cup contention.
In the long term, while Team USA may have frozen out Hutson for now, Montreal fans should be on cloud nine, as they're going to see an even hungrier version of their young prospect.
Previously on HouseOfHockey
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