Cole Hutson already has a fantastic support network ahead of his NHL debut.
Former Washington Capitals blueliner John Carlson, arguably the best defenseman in franchise history, offered advice and guidance to the top prospect rearguard if he ever needs it. Carlson reached out despite being traded by the Caps to the Anaheim Ducks at the trade deadline, in not the most graceful of exits.
“Before my last game, he texted me, which is extremely crazy,” Hutson said after his first practice with the team on Tuesday. “He was one of my favorite players growing up, and I was so excited to get the chance to play with him. Obviously, terrible that he got traded, but he texted me, wished me good luck. He said he was looking forward to playing with me and showing me the ropes, and he said good luck the rest of the year, and if I needed advice, to just call him and just ask him whatever.”
Carlson, who kept up with Hutson’s junior career with Team USA, was also once a highly touted, offensive defenseman in the Capitals’ organization. After being selected in the first round of the 2008 NHL Draft, Carlson played just one season in the OHL before making his pro debut in the AHL as a teenager.
Outside of Carlson, Hutson also has resources much closer to “home,” as his two older brothers, Lane and Quinn, have already played in the NHL with the Montreal Canadiens and Edmonton Oilers, respectively. Lane Hutson, in particular, will be great for Cole to lean on, as he is also a defender and had immediate success with the Habs, winning the Calder Trophy as NHL Rookie of the Year last season.
“Probably was on the phone with Lane for three hours yesterday, just talking about how I got to play and just what to do and what not to do,” Hutson said. “[He told me to] just keep my head up at all times. Just everyone, obviously, everyone tries to kill him out there. He said it could almost be the same for me.”
After recording 66 points (6g, 60a) in 82 games last year, Lane has only improved this season, notching 67 points (11g, 56a) through 66 games. Quinn, the eldest of the three, scored his first NHL goal with the Oilers earlier this year and is tied with Ilya Protas for the rookie lead in AHL scoring with 50 points.
Hutson will, of course, also have a good friend, Ryan Leonard, in his corner, as the two former national team teammates look to form a youthful dynamic duo for the Capitals. Leonard went through the same experience last year that Hutson will be going through now.
“I’m at a head start with the advice from [Leonard] for sure,” Hutson said. “I think we’re still trying to squash the BU-BC beef, but he’s a great guy. We’ve known each other for a lot of years now. Yeah, I just can’t wait to spend the next few years with him.”
The two youngest members of the Capitals’ roster, who are neighbors in the locker room, were already hanging out in the DC area on Monday, and Hutson confirmed that Leonard was the first person to reach out to him after the news of his contract with the Caps was announced.
“Leno texted me maybe 20 seconds after [the announcement],” Hutson said. “He said, ‘Let’s go, we’re happy to have you, all the guys are really happy.'”
Hutson’s first chance to make his NHL debut comes Wednesday night against the Ottawa Senators. The 19-year-old rearguard lined up next to Matt Roy at Tuesday’s skate, which indicates he will probably play in the game despite head coach Spencer Carbery’s reluctance to confirm that news.
