In a frightening moment during Team USA’s game against Switzerland, defenseman and Washington Capitals prospect Cole Hutson was stretchered off the ice after suffering a serious-looking injury.
The former World Juniors scoring leader for defensemen went down awkwardly after a collision along the boards in the second period, with players immediately signaling for medical attention. After a lengthy delay, Hutson was immobilized and carefully carried off the ice, casting a shadow over the Americans’ dominant performance.
There is currently no official update on his condition, but the nature of the immediate medical response suggests the injury could be serious.
Here are the latest updates on Hutson.
Cole Hutson injury updates
Hutson has been discharged from the hospital and has rejoined his teammates at Grand Casino Arena, per Jon Morosi. Hutson has able to rejoin his teammates in the locker room, per Chris Peters. The hockey star will be reevaluated in the morning.
Morosi had reported earlier that Hutson was conscious and alert as he left the ice. He is currently at a local hospital for further evaluation. Team U.S. captain Brodie Ziemer said he was “able to communicate with Hutson while Hutson was on the stretcher.”
*This story will be updated with the latest available information.
What happened to Cole Hutson?
Huston, the Washington Capitals prospect, took a shot up high and immediately went down. It appeared to hit him in the back of the head as the player was looking somewhere else.
Cole Hutson had to be stretchered off the ice after taking a puck to the head vs. Switzerland. 🙏 #WorldJuniors pic.twitter.com/JDEx3oECTB
— TSN (@TSN_Sports) December 28, 2025
Team USA is playing its second game of the tournament after beating Germany 6-3 in the opener
Cole Hutson college
Hutson plays college ice hockey for Boston University (BU).
He is currently in his sophomore year with the Terriers. His older brothers, Quinn and Lane, also played at Boston University. Lane is now on the Montreal Canadiens, while Quinn is in the AHL as an Edmonton Oilers prospect.
Cole Hutson NHL team
Hutson was drafted 43rd overall by the Washington Capitals in the 2024 NHL Draft. He is expected to join the Capitals after the 2025-2026 NCAA season.
How old is Cole Hutson?
Hutson was born on June 28, 2006. He is 19 years old.
