'It's not his time yet': Here's why Bill Guerin isn't sold on Lane Hutson joining Team USA's Olympic roster
Photo credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
Lane Hutson is in a tough spot: despite strong play, the young defenseman's chances of representing the U.S. at the Olympics seem to be slipping each week.
For a few weeks now, everything has been pointing toward a verdict that Canadiens fans - and Hutson himself - did not want to hear.
Pierre LeBrun made a strong point in his Insider Trading segment, noting in a full TSN analysis that Hutson sits far down the American depth chart.
Reading that, I have to admit LeBrun was very clear.
He mentions two major obstacles.
The first is his lack of experience on the international stage. That's understandable.
The second is the enormous offensive depth the United States has on the blue line, where players like Quinn Hughes, Zach Werenski, Jake Sanderson, and Charlie McAvoy are already holding down key roles.
Again, I get the point even if it's not exactly what we want to hear.
Lane Hutson and the American team heading in the wrong direction
Here is LeBrun's comments regarding Hutson:
"Now with Lane Hutson, I think he's further out, and honestly, it's two key factors.
One is inexperience internationally. But the other one, of course, is they've got Quinn Hughes, Zach Werenski, Jake Sanderson, Charlie McAvoy, all those guys can quarterback a power play.
I think it makes it harder for Lane Hutson, who Team USA really likes, but I think they feel it's not his time quite yet."
- Pierre LeBrun
One is inexperience internationally. But the other one, of course, is they've got Quinn Hughes, Zach Werenski, Jake Sanderson, Charlie McAvoy, all those guys can quarterback a power play.
I think it makes it harder for Lane Hutson, who Team USA really likes, but I think they feel it's not his time quite yet."
- Pierre LeBrun
And he's not the only one who thinks so.
In an interview with The Hockey News, Bill Guerin, GM of Team USA, calmly explained that the situation doesn't depend solely on the young defenseman's talent, as we can read in their full analysis.
He also said, word for word:
"He's a good player, but we only have room for so many players," Team USA GM Bill Guerin said in a phone interview on Tuesday.
"I don't know if it's his time right now."
- Bill Guerin via The Hockey News
."I don't know if it's his time right now."
- Bill Guerin via The Hockey News
Even though Hutson was added to the preliminary list of 44 players, nothing guarantees he'll make the final roster.
He has only 100 games of NHL experience and he's young - very talented, but the bar is still high.
In my opinion, Hutson hasn't had his last word, and something tells me this story is far from over.
I can't wait to see how it all unfolds!
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