Hutson Becomes 103rd Terrier to Skate in NHL

WASHINGTON – Cole Hutson became the 103rd Boston University men’s ice hockey player to skate in the National Hockey League when he made his debut for the Washington Capitals on Wednesday night.

Hutson was outstanding for the Capitals, playing 16:24 and ending the night on a high note when he scored his first goal to complete a 4-1 victory over the Ottawa Senators. He is the second straight National Rookie of the Year to score a goal in his NHL debut, as 2024 winner Macklin Celebrini lit the lamp in his debut with the San Jose Sharks.

A second-round draft pick of the Capitals in 2024, Hutson signed a three-year deal with Washington on Sunday. He totaled 80 points (24g, 56a) in 74 career games with the Terriers. Hutson was a First Team All-American as a freshman, totaling 48 points (14g, 34a) as he helped BU reach the 2025 national title game. Hutson was also selected as the top rookie and the top defenseman in New England last season. This year, Hutson became the fifth Terrier defenseman to be named a Hockey East First Team All-Star in two straight years and the second league defenseman (after his brother Lane) to receive first-team accolades as both a freshman and a sophomore.

The Chicago native became the third Hutson brother to make his NHL debut, joining Lane (Montreal) and Quinn (Edmonton). They are the first trio of brothers in program history to all play in the NHL.