Earlier this week, USA Hockey revealed its 44-player roster for the Olympic Orientation Camp scheduled for August 26–27 in Plymouth, Michigan. The list featured Ottawa Senators defenseman Jake Sanderson but surprisingly omitted Montreal Canadiens rookie Lane Hutson. Many fans expressed surprise at Hutson’s exclusion, as he was widely anticipated to receive an invitation due to his strong rookie season.
Marc Methot weighs in on Sanderson-Hutson comparison
Former NHL defenseman Marc Methot contributed to the ongoing discussion by highlighting the differences between the two young defensemen. Methot praised Sanderson as a well-rounded player who suits the demands of international hockey, noting that the style of play overseas requires more physicality and defensive stability.
“You’re going to take flack for this take from some, but I agree with you,” Methot wrote. “Sanderson is a complete player. International play is different than the NHL. It’s very heavy hockey. Hutson is more dynamic offensively and I love watching him play. Very entertaining.”
Methot emphasized that while Hutson’s offensive skills are impressive, the U.S. team needs defensemen capable of playing a heavy, defensive style to succeed on the international stage.
“But the US needs stability and strong defensemen who can put out fires against Canada,” Methot wrote. “The US won’t win in a track meet, they need the games to be tight. (Mackinnon is on the second line lol)”
Addressing fans’ direct comparisons between the two, Methot criticized the notion as superficial and misplaced.
“Anyway, I think the comparison is lazy, emotional and misplaced,” Methot wrote. “Both are terrific young players. This shouldn’t be between Sanderson and Hutson, it should be between players like Fox (for example) and Hutson.”
Players’ contrasting performances highlight different strengths
Jake Sanderson, 23, completed a career-best 2024-25 season with the Ottawa Senators, recording 11 goals and 46 assists for 57 points, while averaging over 24 minutes of ice time per game. He also led his team in blocked shots, totaling 163, underscoring his defensive involvement.
In contrast, 21-year-old Lane Hutson made a significant impact in his first NHL season with Montreal, amassing six goals and 60 assists for 66 points and securing the Calder Trophy as rookie of the year. Hutson’s offensive prowess is notable, but Methot’s remarks suggest he may still need further development to thrive in the stringent international environment.
Methot’s argument shifts focus away from comparing Hutson directly to Sanderson and instead redirects attention to how Hutson matches up with other elite U.S. defensemen, such as Adam Fox.
Mike Morreale ranks Sanderson above Hutson in young defensemen list
In a ranking published in mid-July by NHL.com, Mike Morreale placed Jake Sanderson at the top among defensemen under 25, praising his defensive reliability, heavy workload, and ability to perform in all situations. Morreale forecasted that Sanderson has the potential to win the Norris Trophy within the next three seasons.
“The 23-year-old will win the Norris Trophy within the next three seasons.” Morreale wrote, via NHL.com.
Meanwhile, Hutson was ranked fifth, recognized for his offensive talents and rookie success but placed behind Sanderson due to the latter’s more complete and dependable defensive game.
Implications of the Olympic camp selections for U.S. defense prospects
The decision to exclude Lane Hutson from the Olympic Orientation Camp highlights the U.S. team’s prioritization of defensive steadiness and experience over offensive flair in preparing for international competition against powerhouses like Canada. Methot’s critiques challenge the narrative driven by fan comparisons and underline the importance of physical and tactical readiness.
This selection signals a cautious approach by USA Hockey, likely focused on assembling a roster capable of managing tightly contested games where defensive resilience is critical. For Hutson, this camp snub may provide motivation to refine his game further, aligning his offensive flair with the defensive robustness demanded at the international level.