Cole Hutson was not on the ice for Team USA’s practice at the 2026 World Junior Championship, Sunday. The 19-year-old defender missed the skate a day after he was struck in the back of the head by a puck and stretchered out of Grand Casino Arena in St. Paul, Minnesota.
After Hutson was discharged from the hospital, USA Hockey released a statement listing the Washington Capitals prospect as out “day-to-day.” Head coach Bob Motzko provided a brief update on Hutson’s status as the Americans prepare for their third group-play game against Slovakia on Monday.
“We hope we get him back very soon,” Motzko told NHL Network’s JP Morosi.
Hutson reportedly made a point of speaking to his teammates as a group on Sunday, thanking them for their support. The Americans have two more group-stage games left before the tournament’s single-elimination knockout stage begins with the quarterfinals on January 2.
“He was pretty quiet, but he was good,” teammate Cole Eiserman said.
Eiserman, who held Hutson’s hand as the defenseman lay on the ice, injured and unable to move, elaborated on his now viral gesture after the practice. The two are close friends and also teammates at Boston University.
“I could kind of breathe once he could squeeze my hand,” Eiserman said. “I just wanted him to know I was there for him. No matter what, I was by his side.”
Hutson came into Saturday night’s game just one point shy of tying Erik Johnson (14) for the USA’s all-time World Juniors defense scoring lead. With two assists against Germany on Friday, Hutson also tied the US record for career assists by a defenseman at the tournament, held by Ryan Suter (10).
If the 2024 second-round pick is unable to dress against Slovakia, Hutson’s next chance to make a return to game action will come on New Year’s Eve against Team Sweden.
