Cole Hutson has been released from hospital after suffering a head injury during the World Junior Championships

Team USA defenseman Cole Hutson was discharged from a local hospital after suffering a head injury during a preliminary round match against Switzerland at the IIHF World Junior Championship in St. Paul, Minnesota, on Saturday. The 19-year-old, the top prospect for the Washington Capitals, was pulled from the ice in the second period after appearing to be hit in the back of the head by Swiss defender Gian Maier.

Hutson, who was skating in front of the USA net at the time, fell to the ground and was attended to by medical staff using a backboard and stretcher. NHL broadcaster John Morosi reported that Hutson was *conscious and alert’ and communicating with Team USA captain Brody Zimmer while he was taken down. He was observed moving all of his limbs before being immobilized. USA Hockey officially listed him as “conscious” upon his return to the team in the arena.

Amid the injury scare, the U.S. focused on the ice, beating Switzerland 2-1. Brody Zimmer scored 1:12 into the second period and Will Zellers scored the game-winning goal two minutes later. Hutson did not return to the game after the incident, which caused a brief stoppage in the game.

Hutson is a highly regarded prospect, selected 43rd overall by the Washington Capitals in the 2024 NHL Entry Draft. He is the younger brother of Montreal Canadiens defenseman Lane Hutson, last season’s Calder Trophy winner.

Hutson is in his second season at Boston University, where he has seven goals and 13 assists in 18 games. He led all NCAA freshmen in points (46) and assists (32) last season and was named the Division I Hockey Freshman of the Year. Hutson also played at last year’s World Juniors in Ottawa, where he finished with 11 points (three goals, eight assists) and helped the USA win gold, becoming the first defenseman to lead the tournament in scoring.

At the World Junior Championships in Minnesota, Hutson has already contributed two assists and a +5 rating in the first two games, including a 6-3 tournament-opening win over Germany. He led Team USA on the ice before being benched against Switzerland, logging 8:13 in that contest with one shot on goal.

Following the incident, USA Hockey and Team USA personnel continue to monitor Hutson’s condition. His status for the rest of the tournament will be assessed before the next game against Slovakia on Monday to ensure his return will only happen if he is medically safe.