COLE HUTSON

2025-07-01

Scout: Patrick Ploch

Skating:

Hutson is an excellent skater who is fast and good lateral movement.

Passing/Handling:

Cole is a very capable passer and handler. He is able handle it went in space, tight and transporting it up the ice. The passing is imaginative and sharp.

Shooting:

Cole has a good wrist shot from that he consistently gets on net and is able to shoot well in closer as well.

IQ (Vision, Anticipation, Panic/Poise):

Hutson the younger has a pretty high hockey IQ. He is able to see a path through defenders on the rush, knows when to jump in the rush, is generally poised with the puck and can see the play well.

Forechecking:

Cole will join the rush or sneak down low when its a smart choice.

Defense:

Hutson's defense is somewhat lacking. He can break a play up in the neutral zone but also have trouble with his gaps and timing. His play on the wall needs work as he loses battles or panics and throws pucks up the board, sometimes to the other team.

Best Asset:

The skating, passing and handling and IQ are all very good but I will say the passing and handling.

Biggest Concern:

His defense. Unless there is marked improvement next season, he will need another college season or time in the AHL.

Top Tier/Role Potential:

2nd pair and PP1

Justification for Top Tier Assessment:

The offense along with the hockey IQ are undeniable but the current defensive deficiencies aren't likely to be fully eliminated.

50th Percentile Tier/Role:

3rd pair and PP2

Justification for 50th Percentile Tier Assessment:

If the defense isn't improved he could have a sheltered roll and also get limited to PP2.

Stylistic Comparable:

Quinn Hughes or his brother Lane. As a young defenseman, both Hughes and his brother's defense were somewhat lacking as well.

Scouts Final Thoughts and Additional Stats/Info:

Considering how the Capitals develop their prospects, Cole may see a season or two in the AHL to round out his defensive game and adjust his offense to higher levels.

Games Scouted:

Boston University v Harvard 10/19/24, v U of Vermont 03/08/2025, v U of Connecticut 3/20/2025

2024-08-09

Scout: Jeremy Vercillo

Skating:

Hutson is a smooth skater from the back end, and makes use of that speed and edgework to join the rush and recover defensively.

Passing/Handling:

Hutson is a great puckhandler and passer. He consistently can beat defenders in transtion and dish to open teammates.

Shooting:

Hutson's shot is very good for a defenseman. He should score plenty of goals.

IQ (Vision, Anticipation, Panic/Poise):

His IQ and panic meter with the puck could use some work. He has a habit of giving away the puck by holding on too long and sometimes make ill-advised passes. In the offensive zone he'll be exciting, but on the breakout he may give you some heart attacks.

Forechecking:

n/a

Defense:

Cole Hutson's defensive game is developing, but there's glimpses of a lot of good things. He isn't afraid to engage physically and has the edgework to keep up with opponents. He can get caught puck-watching at times and get muscled off the puck, but those are teachable skills.

Best Asset:

Passing/Stickhandling

Biggest Concern:

The decision making will frustrate coaches and fans. He needs to clean that up before being considered a lock for NHL time

Top Tier/Role Potential:

60 point PP1 D

Justification for Top Tier Assessment:

He has the offensive skillset and enough defense to get by. He just needs to clean up the mental game a bit more.

50th Percentile Tier/Role:

3rd pairing limited minutes D with offensive/PP2 upside

Justification for 50th Percentile Tier Assessment:

If he doesn't hit, he'll be a frustrating defenseman that teams can't quite trust at even strength, capping his minutes.

Stylistic Comparable:

Zach Werenski

Scouts Final Thoughts and Additional Stats/Info:

He's got no competition in Washington long term, so look for him to get some looks soon.

Games Scouted:

WJC18 final, various USHL games