Capitals sign Cole Hutson to three-year, entry-level contract
One of the best prospects on the blue line has inked his first NHL contract.
On Sunday, Washington Capitals general manager announced that the team has signed defenseman Cole Hutson to a three-year, entry-level contract. The deal begins immediately, with the contract holding an AAV of $975,000 through the 2027-28 season.
Hutson signed his contract after he and the Boston University Terriers were eliminated in the quarterfinals of the Men’s Hockey East Tournament on Saturday, ending the team’s season.
The North Barrington, Ill. native is the third brother from the Hutson family to enter the NHL ranks, joining Montreal Canadiens star, and reigning Calder Trophy winner, Lane, and Edmonton Oilers forward Quinn to make it to the big time.
Cole has made a name for himself as one of the premier prospects in hockey over the past few years. He helped the U.S. win the gold medal at the 2023 IIHF Men’s Under-18 World Championship, leading the tournament in defensive scoring. Hutson was taken by the Capitals in the second round, 43rd overall, of the 2024 NHL Draft, a couple of months after being named the best defenseman at U-18s.
At BU, Hutson exploded during his freshman season. Along with being a first-team all-American, he won the Tim Taylor Award as the NCAA’s rookie of the year. He helped the Terriers reach the national championship game, ultimately losing to Western Michigan last April.
Hutson scored 10 goals and 32 points in 35 games this past season. In 74 career appearances with the Terriers, he totaled 24 goals and 56 assists for 80 points.
In January 2025, Hutson played a key role in helping the Americans win gold at the IIHF World Junior Championship, leading the tournament with 11 points. He also posted four points in three appearances this year’s WJC, despite being stretchered off the ice during a game against Switzerland.
The Capitals are off until Wednesday, when they host the Ottawa Senators. Washington (33-27-8) is sixth in the Metropolitan Division, six points back of the last Wild Card spot in the Eastern Conference.