Team USA's Cole Hutson stretchered off ice against Switzerland at World Juniors
Hutson, who was one of the top defensemen in the tournament last year, was hit high with a puck in the second period.
Team USA defenseman and Washington Capitals draft pick, Cole Hutson, was hit high with a puck in the second period of a 2026 World Juniors preliminary round game against Switzerland at Grand Casino Arena in St. Paul, Minn., on Saturday.
Hutson went down after a point shot hit him, on or near his neck, as his back was turned. He was taken off the ice via stretcher but was conscious and his legs were moving. He was taken to a local hospital, but was later discharged and rejoined the team. Hutson’s status for the rest of the tournament will be evaluated on Sunday, according to NHL Network’s Jon Morosi.
“You never want to see one of your guys go down like that and get stretchered off like that,” Team USA forward Will Zellers, who scored in the second period to give the U.S. a 2-1 lead, told TSN’s Brit Dort during the second intermission. “So it was a little bit of a shock to all of us, but (we) knew we had to come up big for him and make a play. So happy and lucky I was able to be the one to make it.”
Hutson was one of the top defensemen in the tournament last year and is the younger brother of Montreal Canadiens defenseman Lane Hutson.
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
“Good to see (he’s) looking OK, we’re obviously praying for him,” Team USA captain Brodie Ziemer told Morosi during the second intermission. “It’s obviously a scary thing, especially someone you’re so tight with. Obviously a little bit of shock, but good job by the group to kinda shake it off and continue on.
“Just playing as a group, playing for him and doing what we’re supposed to.”
Team USA held on for the 2-1 win over Switzerland. Ziemer was awarded player of the game honors for the U.S.
What Hutson’s absence could mean for Team USA
Hutson’s absence would be devastating for Team USA. He is the key to their defense, an elite offensive player and despite his size, he has been a key penalty-killing guy for them too. It’s hard to see the United States winning a gold medal at the tournament without him.