The two remaining BU brothers in the NCAA, Quinn and Cole Hutson, have been ruling the college ice world, while the big guys of the NHL have been keeping a watchful eye. Meanwhile, their other brother, 21-year-old Lane Hutson, who left BU in 2024 and signed a contract with the Montreal Canadiens, is a serious contender for this year’s Calder Trophy. He seems to be the unanimous pick, and if he did win, it’d make him the first Canadien in 53 years to lift the trophy! So, clearly there is something in the Hutson gene pool that seems to be working wonders in the hockey world! The Hutson brothers are all set to reunite in the NHL, but they’re going to have to wait just a little while longer for that moment.

The Edmonton Oilers came down quick on Quinn, signing him on for a two-year deal. Presumably all thanks to GM Stan Bowman and Kalle Larsson, who know the Hutson family personally. Quinn was a great asset to the Terriers in the last season, scoring 23 goals and 27 assists, amounting to 50 points in 37 games. And then we have Cole, the youngest of these three, though there is, believe it or not, a fourth Hutson hockey brother, Jude Hutson, who is currently training in the USNTDP.

Cole is a Washington Capitals defense prospect (2nd round pick, 43rd overall). who might just be exactly what the Capitals need to shore up their defense for years to come. But the Caps are going to have to wait just a little bit longer, with Hutson brother No. 3 looking increasingly likely to return to his college, Boston University, for his sophomore year, according to Jeff Marek of Daily Faceoff.

Cole is brimming with potential, and his choice to spend an extra year in development could mean that his NHL debut will be off the charts! He was the winner of the Hockey East ’Rookie of the Year’ award this season with his impressive performances that saw him lead all freshmen in scoring (14 goals and 46 points in 37 games).

But his season ended in heartbreak as the Terriers lost the NCAA title game to Western Michigan University by a score of 6-2. But with Cole Hutson committing to another year at college, he’ll have the chance to have another crack at the title next year. And of course this means one more year for him to refine his already eye-catching skills.

One year of transformation for Cole Hutson

You might be asking yourself, why would someone brimming with so much talent delay their debut? Well, to get even better. Cole Hutson’s performance at Boston University has been exceptional, and though his team didn’t win the national title this year, Hutson’s reputation can stand all on its own…I mean, literally.

He’s gathered a tidy number of personal honors in just one short year; Hockey East’s Rookie of the Year Award wasn’t his only one. Last Friday, Cole won the 2025 Tim Taylor Award as NCAA Rookie of the Year. Then he also won the New England Rookie of the Year award, along with the Top Defenseman title. He was also the Beanpot MVP! The intercollegiate tournament that is held among Boston hockey teams. He also made it to the New England Division I and Hockey East All-Star teams. So yes, just like his brothers, Cole Hutson is a big deal.

And if that isn’t impressive enough, it was Cole Hutson’s performance at the 2024 IIHF World Junior Championship that really raised the bar. Hutson became the first defenseman in history to ever lead the tournament in scoring, while Team USA successfully defended their title. In seven games, Cole had a total of 11 points with 3 goals and 8 assists. What makes the moment even more special is that the year before, his brother Lane Hutson competed for Team USA and beat Sweden for the gold medal!

Cole Hutson’s decision to delay his start in the NHL isn’t unfounded. It’s interesting to note that many NCAA hockey players, especially defensemen, delay their NHL debut to better their technical skills before getting into the big leagues. Adam Fantilli, Zach Werenski, and Luke Hughes all benefited hugely from the extra training before going fully pro. So Cole Hutson is only going to get better, like a slow-cooked stew…you need time to develop the best flavors! And once he’s on the serious ice, he may just completely change the game.