Cole Hutson could make his NHL debut with the Washington Capitals on Wednesday as the young defenseman adjusts to life after college hockey.
The 19-year-old joined the Capitals after signing a three-year entry-level contract on Sunday following the end of his sophomore season at Boston University.
After his first workout, Hutson admitted the moment still felt surreal.
“I’ll probably be in shock the whole game, I don’t know. Just getting ready to play, just getting on the rink and walking around for the first time, it’ll feel pretty crazy and I don’t want to put too much emphasis on it,” he said, according to NHL.
Capitals coach Spencer Carbery said a decision will be made Wednesday on whether Hutson will play against the Ottawa Senators.
“Absolutely. There’s no point in putting the restriction plates on. Like, ‘Let’s go.'” he said.
Hutson’s arrival comes as Washington pushes for a playoff spot in the Eastern Conference.
He has relied on advice from his brother, Montreal Canadiens defenseman Lane Hutson, who made a similar jump to the NHL.
“I spent three hours on the phone with Lane yesterday talking about how to play and what to do and what not to do,” Hutson said.
