David Kirouac-Imagn Images

Controversial NHL Analyst Ryan Whitney Would Cut Norris Winner Adam Fox Off Team USA for One Specific Player

Originally posted on House of Hockey | By Tom Banks | Last updated Aug 31, 2025 1:54 PM ET

Adam Fox's reputation took a hit at the Four Nations, and now Ryan Whitney reveals he would cut Fox from Team USA for rising star Lane Hutson.

In previous years, Adam Fox has been regarded as one of the best defenseman in the National Hockey League, but at the Four Nations, his poor play meant his reputation took a major hit.

However, Team USA still believe in him, naming him as one of their defenseman ahead of the 2026 Olympic Games, but it's not been a very popular decision among fans and analsyts.

Whitney Claims Hutson Deserves Olympic Spot Over Established Stars

Now, Spittin' Chiclets podcast host and former NHLer Ryan Whitney has addressed that very topic, noting that he would cut Fox from Team USA's roster for Calder Trophy winner Lane Hutson of the Montreal Canadiens.

'All right. Brock Faber, no. F*ck Adam Fox, see ya. Luke Hughes no. Quinn Hughes, no. Noah Hanifin, no. Seth Jones, no. Jackson Lacombe, no I'm fine with him. He's young. He'll be on the next team. McAvoy, no. Ryan McDonagh, see ya. Brett Pesce, see ya. Neal Pionk, see ya. This is all for Lane Hutson.

It wasn't just Fox, as Whitney also named Brett Pesce, Neal Pionk and Ryan McDonagh as players he'd take off the roster for Hutson, who would provide a dynamic spark on one of the best blue lines ever assembled in hockey.

Adam Fox, Lightning Veterans Among Big Names Whitney Would Drop

While Hutson was impressive in his rookie year, it's a surprise to hear a former NHLer call out some big name veterans like McDonagh, Pionk and Pesce, as all have a role on this team that Hutson simply couldn't fill.

With Quinn Hughes leading the way, Team USA is likely looking for much more experience and balance, with question marks over Hutson's defensive game, but given how good he's been already, it's a matter of when, not if Hutson can represent Team USA.

This article first appeared on House of Hockey and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: