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Canadiens' Lane Hutson Responds to Dad’s Comments On Possible USA-Canada Switch

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Antonio Losada | Last updated Sep 16, 2025 10:19 AM ET

Montreal Canadiens defenseman Lane Hutson made clear where his international hockey allegiance stands after his father publicly questioned Team USA’s Olympic snub.

"You never know what happens in the future, like my boys are also Canadian," Lane's father, Rob, said about his son's potential switch of countries. "There is an absolute luxury there."

The Habs blueliner, who is coming off an extraordinary rookie season in Montreal, dismissed the idea of ever switching to Team Canada, despite holding dual citizenship and a Canadian passport.

“What clip?” Hutson joked when asked about his father’s remarks. “He gets emotional, and sometimes that gets the best of you, and you say things you don’t necessarily mean. It maybe gets taken out of context or whatever, but I’m proud to be American. I love USA Hockey; they’ve done so much for me.”

Lane Hutson: “I’m proud to be an American.”
— Eric Engels (@EricEngels) September 15, 2025

Added Hutson: “Also, I love playing in Canada. I’m very fortunate, but I’m a USA Hockey player and that’s just how it is.”

The 21-year-old is coming off a standout campaign that saw him win the Calder Trophy as the NHL's Rookie of the Year, thanks to posting six goals and 66 points in 82 games.

Despite that outstanding performance, he was left off Team USA’s 44-player Olympic camp roster in August, a decision that drew criticism from his father, Rob.

Hutson has already represented the United States at multiple international events, including the World Juniors and the men’s World Championship.

Because of those appearances, IIHF rules would prevent him from switching to Canada without a lengthy waiting period. He would need to sit out four years of international play before becoming eligible to transfer to the neighboring country.

For now, Hutson said his focus remains squarely on representing the country he has always played for, as he knows he will still have a chance to crack the final roster sent to the Olympics when the official squad gets named at the end of December.

The men’s tournament runs Feb. 11–22, marking the first Olympic competition with NHL players taking part in it since 2014.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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