Lane Hutson shot down any suggestion he’d switch from Team USA to Team Canada despite his father’s recent comments about the possibility.
The Montreal Canadiens defenseman addressed his father Rob’s remarks at the team’s annual golf tournament Monday. Rob Hutson had suggested his son could consider playing for Canada after Team USA left Lane off its Olympic orientation camp roster in August.
“What clip?” Hutson joked to reporters, per TVA Sports.
“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.”
The 21-year-old holds dual citizenship and a Canadian passport, which sparked his father’s frustration with the Olympic snub.
“Also, I love playing in Canada. I’m very fortunate, but I’m a USA Hockey player and that’s just how it is.”
Hutson’s USA Hockey background runs deep. He spent two seasons with the U.S. national development program. He’s represented the United States at the U18 World Championship, world juniors, and World Championship.
Any switch to Team Canada would require a complicated process. Since Hutson has already competed in IIHF championships for the U.S., he’d need to submit a transfer request to the IIHF.
The waiting period would be four years without participating in any international events before gaining eligibility for Canada.
Hutson’s comments come after a breakout rookie season that saw him capture the Calder Trophy as the NHL’s top first-year player. The 5-foot-10 defenseman tallied six goals and 66 points in 82 games last season.
He ranked seventh among all NHL defensemen in scoring, establishing himself as one of the league’s most dynamic young blueliners.
