The winds of change are blowing through the world of hockey, and nowhere is that more apparent than in Montreal. As the city’s passionate fans eagerly follow every twist and turn of the NHL postseason, a new story is quietly taking shape—one that could have major implications for the future of Team USA at the Winter Olympics.

Lane Hutson, the electrifying rookie defenseman for the Montreal Canadiens, has taken the league by storm with his dazzling play and record-setting performance. His meteoric rise has not only energized the Canadiens’ faithful but has also thrust him into the heart of the conversation about which American stars will represent their country on the biggest stage in international hockey.

Yet, just as Hutson’s Olympic dreams seemed within reach, a surprising development has cast a shadow over his chances. The recent coaching shakeup involving Mike Sullivan has sent shockwaves through both NHL and international circles, raising serious questions about how Team USA’s roster will be shaped.

For Hutson and his supporters, the timing couldn’t be more bittersweet. As the hockey world buzzes with speculation, one thing is clear: the road to the Olympics is never straightforward, and for Lane Hutson, the journey has just become much more complicated.

Photo credit: David Kirouac-Imagn Images

The young Montreal Canadiens defenseman, Lane Hutson, had an absolutely outstanding rookie season in the National Hockey League.

He will very likely win the Calder Trophy, after notably tying the record for the most assists by a rookie defenseman in NHL history.

And quietly, the achievements of some Habs players, like Lane Hutson, Nick Suzuki, Samuel Montembeault, and company.. could spice up the next Olympic Games for Montreal fans.

There are real chances to see several Canadiens players selected for the upcoming Winter Olympics.

Will Lane Hutson be part of that group?

Let’s just say he has just received some bad news in that regard, and honestly, it feels.. unfair.

The announcement of Mike Sullivan’s hiring by the New York Rangers is bad news for Lane Hutson and Canadiens fans

Sullivan, who will unsurprisingly be the head coach of Team USA at the next Olympic Games, has just been named head coach of Lane Hutson’s number one competitor for a spot on the American Olympic team: Adam Fox.

There are more details in the following article, but in short, especially after what we saw at the Four Nations Face-Off, we can draw the following conclusions:

Quinn Hughes will be selected.
Zach Werenski will be selected.
Jaccob Slavin will be selected.
Brock Faber will be selected.
Jake Sanderson will be selected.
Charlie McAvoy will be selected.

That leaves only one spot open, for Adam Fox, Lane Hutson, and all other possible candidates.

History shows that team management will almost always prioritize players they know best.

The hiring of Sullivan by the New York Rangers (Adam Fox’s team) is therefore likely to heavily influence the final roster selection.

It will be something to watch next season, but it’s obvious that Mike Sullivan’s hiring has just thrown a big bucket of cold water on Lane Hutson’s chances of making it to the next Olympic Games, even though he would have truly deserved it.