Cole Hutson Scores in NHL Debut

WASHINGTON, DC - MARCH 18: Cole Hutson #44 of the Washington Capitals handles the puck in the second period of his NHL debut against the Ottawa Senators at Capital One Arena on March 18, 2026 in Washington, DC. (Photo by G Fiume/Getty Images)
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WASHINGTON, DC - MARCH 18: Cole Hutson #44 of the Washington Capitals handles the puck in the second period of his NHL debut against the Ottawa Senators at Capital One Arena on March 18, 2026 in Washington, DC. (Photo by G Fiume/Getty Images)

Men's Ice Hockey | 3/19/2026 10:00:00 AM

Cole Hutson made a memorable NHL debut with the Washington Capitals on Wednesday, March 18 against the Ottawa Senators. The 19-year-old defenseman and former USHL standout finished his college season at Boston University before signing his entry-level contract and quickly joining the Capitals' lineup.

Hutson logged around 16 minutes of time on ice and showed strong skating ability and puck control. The highlight of his debut came late in the third period with the Capitals leading and the Senators' opting for the extra attacker. Known as a pass-first player, Hutson joined a 3-on-1 rush and, after after looking to set up a teammate, found encouragement to shoot for the empty net and notch his first USHL goal.

Hutson played youth hockey with the North Jersey Avalance before joining the NTDP for two seasons from 2022-24. The 5'11, 172-pound defenseman had seven goals and 30 assists in 51 USHL games with the program. At Boston University, the Captials' second-round pick was more than a point-per-game player with 24 goals and 56 assists in only 74 games, being named an All-American after his 48-point freshman campaign. 

About the USHL

The United States Hockey League (USHL) and its 16 teams are committed to being the world's leading junior hockey league. This season, more than 50% of NCAA Division I men's hockey players and nearly 25% of NHL players have USHL experience. The USHL has developed more than 285 direct NHL Draft picks since 2020, and eight of the last 10 Hobey Baker Award winners, including Macklin Celebrini (Chicago Steel).

Elevated through the recently announced Declaration of Excellence with the NHL and USA Hockey, the league's player-first approach, including a 2:1 practice-to-game ratio and a schedule with 90% of games played on weekends, provides its players with the optimal environment for athletic and personal growth, creating pathways for the next generation of stars like Auston Matthews (NTDP), Kyle Connor (Youngstown Phantoms), Jeremy Swayman (Sioux Falls Stampede), and Johnny Gaudreau (Dubuque Fighting Saints).