USA Hockey has not invited Lane Huston to the 2026 Winter Olympic orientation camp. NHL insider Tony Marinaro slammed Hutson's snub on his The Sick Podcast with Brian Wilde on Wednesday.
Marinaro highlighted that Huston's performance in 2024-25 season was good enough to find him a spot. He noted Huston tying Larry Marphy's rookie assist record (60) and leading the Canadiens in various stats.
"(As a selector) You're going to notice that Lane Hutson finished seventh in scoring," Marinaro said. "That Hutson tied an NHL record that was going on since 1981 for most assists by a rookie defenseman, tying the great Larry Murphy.
"That Lane Hutson had more assists than any player on the Montreal Canadiens during the regular season. That Hutson had the third most amount of points by any player on the Montreal Canadiens during the regular season."
Marinaro noted that Huston had the most ice time and scored most points for the Canadiens. During the regular season, Hutson was placed inside the top 10 in seven or eight advanced stats for defensemen. His records show consistent performance both in the regular season and playoffs.
"I don't get it, Brian, I don't get it (how Hutson is not invited)," Marinaro said. "I think Lane Hutson is a top 15 defenseman in the National Hockey League, it's my opinion. I don't understand how he can't be in the top 15 for USA."
Hutson gathered six goals and 60 assists for 66 points in 82 games last season. In the playoffs, he led Montreal in points (five) and ice cream (24:50). The Canadiens were eliminated in the first round against the Washington Capitals.
On the other hand, USA Hockey invited Hutson's Montreal teammate Cole Caufield to the orientation camp. The final 25-man for the 2026 Olympics will be announced in January.
Lane Hutson opens up on being 'lucky' after Calder Trophy win
Late Hutson won the 2024-25 Calder Trophy as the NHL's top rookie after his stellar performance. He was the first Canadiens player to win the Calder in the expansion era since Ken Dryden won it in 1972.
"To win rookie of the year award, I just feel really fortunate," Hutson said, via NHL.com. "I’m lucky to be part of the Montreal Canadiens and be a part of such a great support system with all my friends and family."
Fans and experts expect Hutson to eventually represent the USA on the Olympic stage.