Apr 6, 2025; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Montreal Canadiens defenseman Lane Hutson (48) crosses the blue line against the Nashville Predators during the first period at Bridgestone Arena. Mandatory Credit: Steve Roberts-Imagn Images Steve Roberts-Imagn Images

Canadiens Defenseman Responds To Father's Olympic Comments

Originally posted on Breakaway on SI
By Tyler Major-Mcnicol | Last updated Sep 17, 2025 7:00 AM ET

Montreal Canadiens star defenseman Lane Hutson was left off the United States Olympic Orientation roster. Though he took it on the chin, his Dad's comments took it to a different level.

Though it was a lighthearted, heat-of-the-moment thing from him to say, it wasn't taken so lightly. Many questioned Hutson's loyalty, which was broken down in a nice piece by RG Media, explaining why Hutson was going to remain committed to the American side.

Hutson also took a question during the media session at the Canadiens Children's Foundation golf tournament regarding his Dad's comments about his son's dual-citizenship. He kept things light and humorous.

'What clip?" he replied to the question about his reaction.

Then he went on to discuss his take on the situation.

"You know, he gets emotional. And sometimes it gets the best of you, and you say things you don't necessarily mean, and it gets taken out of context or whatever," Hutson responded. "But, you know, I'm proud to be American. I love USA hockey, they've have done so much for me. Also, I love playing in Canada, and I'm very fortunate, but I'm a USA hockey player, and that's just how it is."

« Je suis un jouer de hockey américain » : Lane Hutson revient avec humour sur les propos de son père pic.twitter.com/xIs7eE5eEt
— TVA Sports (@TVASports) September 15, 2025

It's incredible how a few words can ignite a fanbase, which obviously happened with Canadiens fans, but it went to the next level when international roots and loyalties were discussed and questioned. Many USA-born players over the years have played for Canadian NHL teams, so this isn't new. However, their fathers didn't mention that they held Canadian and American citizenship.

Though Hutson wasn't invited, it doesn't mean that he will never have another chance to represent his country. If he was just scratching the surface of his potential in year one, with a 66-point season, then it appears likely that he is only getting started. His work ethic all but ensures that he is going to develop into a premier NHL defenseman in short order.

Team USA is fortunate to have an extremely talented group of defenseman, which makes the competition incredibly fierce, and Hutson wouldn't have it any other way. While guys like Adam Fox and Quinn Hughes play a similar style and are roughly the same size, it could be unwise to bet against Hutson.

The American is set to commence his sophomore season, with the preseason set to start on September 22 against the Pittsburgh Penguins, and if his work is a telltale of things to come, he is just getting started.

The next time Team USA is considering their options, Hutson's play will be his calling card, which lines up with his competitive nature. He will do his best to prove he is the best option, and let the rest play out as it will.

This article first appeared on Breakaway on SI and was syndicated with permission.

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