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Team USA Disrespects Canadiens Star Lane Hutson: Fans are Furious

Originally posted on House of Hockey | By Jack Sutherland | Last updated Aug 19, 2025 1:48 PM ET

Team USA did not include Montreal Canadiens defenseman and Calder Trophy winner Lane Hutson on their preliminary roster, and there is considerable backlash.

Team USA has released its preliminary roster for the 2026 Winter Olympic Games in Milan, and among the players invited was Montreal Canadiens forward Cole Caufield, but defenseman Lane Hutson was not included.

Hutson, who won the Calder Trophy as the NHL's best rookie this year, didn't receive an invitation despite demonstrating that he can skate with the top talent in the world as part of his rookie year.

Lane Hutson Snubbed by Team USA: Jackson Lacombe, Neal Pionk, Alex Vlasic Chosen Over Him

The players that Team USA chose to include in their preliminary roster included names like Anaheim Ducks defenseman Jackson Lacombe, Winnipeg Jets defenseman Neal Pionk, and Chicago Blackhawks defenseman Alex Vlasic, all of whom were outscored by Hutson this year.

Hutson had 66 points (6G, 60A) while averaging 22:44 per game. He was the clear winner in the Calder Trophy voting, as he received 1,832 voting points.

He also became the 5th active defenseman with a Calder win, along with Tyler Myers, Cale Makar, Moritz Seider, and Aaron Ekblad.

Fans Call Out Team USA for Controversial Hutson Decision: 'He Clears Everybody'

Angry fans chimed in all over X over the clear mistake by Team USA not to include the reigning Calder Trophy winner in their preliminary roster for the Olympics.