WASHINGTON (AP) — The Washington Capitals have signed 19-year-old defenseman Cole Hutson to an initial three-year contract with an average annual value of $975,000.
The Capitals drafted Hutson in the second round in 2024, and he had 10 goals and 22 assists in 35 games for Boston University this season. He also represented the United States at the world junior championships in 2025 and 2026. When the United States won gold in 2025, he scored three goals and eight assists, becoming the first defenseman to lead the tournament in scoring.
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Hutson could represent the future of Washington’s blue line after the Capitals, with their postseason hopes dwindling, traded John Carlson before this year’s deadline.
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AP NHL: https://apnews.com/hub/NHL