As the excitement around the upcoming Winter Olympics intensifies, the latest Team USA camp invitations have sent shockwaves through the hockey world—and nowhere is the buzz louder than in Montreal.

While Canadiens forward Cole Caufield celebrates his long-awaited call-up to Team USA’s orientation camp, another name is conspicuously missing from the list, leaving fans and insiders alike scratching their heads.

Lane Hutson, one of the NHL’s brightest young defensemen and a rising star in Montreal, has been completely overlooked by American executives, despite his recent accolades and undeniable impact on the ice.

How could a player ranked as the 19th best defenseman in the entire NHL be left out of a group of sixteen? What’s the reasoning behind this puzzling decision, and what does it mean for Hutson’s future with both Team USA and the Canadiens?

As speculation swirls and frustration mounts among supporters, the full story behind this surprising snub is more complex—and more intriguing—than it first appears.

Is this just a temporary setback, or does it signal something deeper about how young talent is valued on the international stage? Discover the details, the reactions, and the possible consequences in the full article below.

Apr 27, 2025; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; Montreal Canadiens defenseman Lane Hutson (48) considers his options with the puck against the Washington Capitals during the third period in game four of the first round of the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Bell Centre. Mandatory Credit: David Kirouac-Imagn Images

Photo credit: David Kirouac-Imagn Images

A little earlier today, we reported some excellent news received by Cole Caufield.

The Montreal Canadiens forward received his long-awaited invitation to participate in Team USA’s orientation camp, in preparation for the upcoming Winter Olympics.

He is therefore firmly in consideration to crack their final lineup.

Cole Caufield invited by Team USA, but Lane Hutson was completely ignored

It’s so unfortunate and sad to see that young Hutson continues to be so ignored and underestimated.

Find the logic.

Lane Hutson was ranked as the 19th best defenseman in the entire NHL by NHL Network, but he is not among the SIXTEEN defensemen invited by the United States.

Brock Faber, Quinn Hughes, Ryan McDonagh, Brady Skjei, Adam Fox, Seth Jones, Brett Pesce, Jaccob Slavin, Noah Hanifin, Jackson LaCombe, Neal Pionk, Alex Vlasic, Luke Hughes, Charlie McAvoy, Jake Sanderson, and Zach Werenski were all chosen ahead of Hutson by the American executives.

“Cole Caufield was invited to the U.S. men’s Olympic orientation camp, but Lane Hutson did not receive an invitation.”

– Stu Cowan

He could have at least received a simple invitation.

“Cole Caufield has been invited to Team USA’s Olympic Orientation Camp.

The NHL Calder winner Lane Hutson was not invited.

The camp is set for Aug. 26-27 in Plymouth, Michigan.”

HabsOnReddit

I’m not saying young Hutson should absolutely, immediately crack Team USA’s roster, but yes, I am saying he would have deserved an invitation and that he is absolutely among the 16 best American defensemen right now.