Get to Know Newest Oilers’ Signing Quinn Hutson

The Oilers are an aging team with limited draft capital, so they must find different ways to get younger and improve their depth. They can do this by signing free agents overseas or from top collegiate schools. Therefore, bringing in free agents from the NCAA is a smart strategy for Edmonton to strengthen their lacklustre prospect pool and add more skill to the wings. The Oilers only have three picks during this upcoming draft, so they must get creative. This is a great signing and a step in the right direction.

The 23-year-old right-shot, right-winger was in his third season with Boston University, recording 56 goals and 114 points in 117 career games, including 23 goals and 50 points in 38 games this season. He’s a bit undersized at 5-foot-11 and 170 pounds, but he plays with pace, has a good shot, and is an excellent passer. Let’s get to know the newest Oiler.

Hutson Has 3 Brothers

Just like the Hughes brothers, there are multiple Hutson brothers. He’s the eldest of four brothers, all playing hockey at different levels. His youngest brother, Lars Hutson, is only 16 years old and plays for the Muskegon Lumberjacks of the United States Hockey League (USHL). The next youngest is 18-year-old Cole Hutson, Quinn’s teammate at Boston University and a 2024 second-round pick of the Washington Capitals. The most recognizable brother is 21-year-old Lane Hutson. He’s a second-round pick of the Montreal Canadiens in 2022 and is having a fantastic rookie season in Montreal. He’s in the running for the Calder Trophy and should be the favourite. Quinn is the only forward among his siblings.

Hutson Played in the Brick Invitational Tournament

Here’s a fun fact: Hutson played in the Brick Invitational Tournament. This tournament features some of the best U10 division hockey players in North America. It takes place between the last week of June and the first week of July at the West Edmonton Mall. The Illinois native played in this tournament in 2012 for the Chicago Jr. Blackhawks but didn’t register a point in six games while having 16 penalty minutes. Notable NHL players who also played in this tournament the same year include Wyatt Johnston, Matty Beniers, Tyson Foerster, Cole Sillinger, Jamie Drysdale, Cole Perfetti, and Seth Jarvis. In 2014, his brother Lane also played in this tournament for the Detroit Jr. Red Wings.

Hutson Is Ineligible to Play in the Playoffs

Hutson wasn’t on the Oilers’ reserve list before the 2025 Trade Deadline, therefore, he’s ineligible to play for Edmonton in the playoffs. He was an undrafted free-agent rather than an unsigned draft pick, which is important to note. For example, the Canadiens recently signed their 2024 fifth overall pick, Ivan Demidov, to his ELC, and he’s eligible to play in the playoffs since his rights were already owned by Montreal. That’s the difference between Demidov and Hutson. While the latter can’t play in the playoffs, Edmonton is looking ahead to next season by adding competition.

Despite that, this is still a good piece of business from Oilers general manager Stan Bowman. With Edmonton having Stanley Cup aspirations and limited draft capital, having older prospects is crucial because that means they can help the organization sooner rather than later. Hutson might need some time in the American Hockey League (AHL) to gain experience playing against professionals and to work on his strength and board battles, being an undersized winger. But he’s close to playing NHL games with this organization.

Edmonton must rectify their mistakes and undo what was done last offseason. This team desperately needs to get younger and faster, and this addition will help. He’s a legitimate NHL forward prospect, and Oilers fans should be excited about what he could bring to the table.