Main Photo: Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images

NHL Rumours: Perceived Olympic Snub and the Potential Repercussions

Originally posted on Last Word On Sports
By Andrew Willis | Last updated Sep 6, 2025 10:50 AM ET

Welcome to NHL Rumours! We inch closer to the opening of training camp of should be another exciting NHL season. The 2025-26 season will feature the return of NHL players to the Olympics, which is where our rumour takes us today. After not being invited to Team USA’s orientation camp, the father of a player believes his son may take his talents elsewhere for the Olympics.

NHL Rumours

Olympic Snub and Potential Repercussions

Rumour: Grant McGagg, host of Recruits Habscast, spoke with the father of Lane Hutson, Rob. The pair spoke about Lane not being invited to Team USA’s orientation camp. Rob expressed his disagreement about Lane not being invited, while acknowledging the tough task general manager Bill Guerin has in inviting players. Rob explained that he felt Lane should have been invited to the camp at the very least. As the conversation continued, Rob mentioned that Lane has dual citizenship and could end up playing for Team Canada.

Rob Hutson joined me on Recrutes HabsCast and provided some intriguing insights into his son Lane’s offseason, the snub from USA Hockey, and how it may change their outlook on where Lane plays internationally in the future.https://t.co/qo3EsWDHR1

— Grant McCagg (@grantmccagg) September 4, 2025

Analysis: Hutson certainly has a strong case to be invited to the Olympic team. The Michigan native recorded 66 points in 82 games last season, helping the Montreal Canadiens return to the Stanley Cup Playoffs. Furthermore, Hutson won the Calder Trophy as the league’s top rookie.

No one would have been surprised if Hutson had been invited. However, of the 15 defenceman invited, not all will make the roster. In fact, two, Charlie McAvoy and Quinn Hughes, have already been named to the roster. While it may be dissapointing that Hutson did not get the invite, there was no guarantee he would have been selected for the team.

Ways to the Roster

Hutson could still make Team USA’s Olympic roster. There is a lot of time between now and the Olympics. Hutson could play himself onto the roster. Furthermore, an injury could arise that opens a roster spot. Just because Hutson did not get invited to the camp does not automatically mean he does not have a chance to make the roster.

Team Canada?

With dual citizenship, Hutson is eligible to play for Team Canada. Team Canada’s orientation camp featured 13 defenceman. Like Team USA, not all will make the roster. However, there are quite a few who seem like locks. Cale Makar is one of the league’s top defenceman. Evan Bouchard has emerged as a top defenceman with the Edmonton Oilers. Colton Parayko made a name for himself during the 4 Nations Face-Off when he dropped the gloves against Team USA.

Like Team USA, a roster spot could up for Hutson on Team Canada. He could play himself onto the roster and/or an injury could happen. There is still a lot of time.

Next Chapter of a Rivalry?

If Hutson does play for Team Canada, it will be the latest installment of the epic rivalry between the United States and Canada. United States’fans may view Hutson as the hockey equivalent of Benedict Arnold fans. Canada fans will gladly welcome someone like Hutson to the team.

For fans of the Habs, they would be excited to get to see one of their own players play for their country.

Time will tell what happens, but this could get interesting.

This article first appeared on Last Word On Sports and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: