Cole Hutson injury update: Team USA star stretchered off ice after taking puck to head at World Juniors

1 week ago 2

Cole Hutson injury update: Team USA star stretchered off ice after taking puck to head at World Juniors originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

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.

After a brief stay in a local hospital, Hutson was able to rejoin the team in time for the post-game meal. His status for the rest of the tournament remains unknown.

Cole Hutson injury updates

Hutson is still considered day-to-day after suffering the injury.

Hutson was discharged from the hospital and has rejoined his teammates at Grand Casino Arena, per Jon Morosi. Hutson rejoined his teammates in the locker room, per Chris Peters.

Morosi had reported earlier that Hutson was conscious and alert as he left the ice. He went to 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."

While Hutson is recovering well, according to USA Hockey, he was unavailable for the team's Dec. 31 game against Sweden.

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.

When speaking to the media on January 1, Hutson said "it felt like forever" when he was laying on the ground, and did not gain consciousness until he was being wheeled off the ice.

MORE: How to watch Team USA's upcoming game vs. Switzerland in the World Juniors

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.