The Philadelphia Flyers are eyeing Boston University winger Quinn Hutson, the older brother of Montreal Canadiens standout Lane Hutson, as a potential addition to their roster. At 23 years old, Quinn Hutson surprisingly went undrafted but has since made a significant impact in the NCAA, showcasing remarkable improvement each season. His journey has seen him evolve from a freshman campaign where he netted 15 goals and 13 assists for 28 points in 39 games, to a sophomore year that saw him increase his totals to 18 goals, 18 assists, and 36 points in 40 games. This season, he has taken his game to another level, racking up 23 goals and 27 assists for a total of 50 points in just 36 games.
Hutson's performance has made him a standout player, leading the Terriers in scoring this year, even outpacing 13 NHL-drafted teammates, including his younger brother Cole Hutson and Flyers prospect Devin Kaplan. His ability to find the back of the net and assist his teammates has not gone unnoticed. In a thrilling overtime matchup against Cornell on March 29, 2025, Hutson scored the game-winning goal and added an assist, propelling Boston University into the Frozen Four.
The Flyers, currently in a rebuilding phase, are looking to bolster their roster with young, dynamic talent, and Hutson fits the bill perfectly. With an abundance of right wingers already on the roster—including stars like Matvei Michkov, Travis Konecny, Owen Tippett, Tyson Foerster, and Bobby Brink—Hutson could be slotted into a third-line role if he were to sign an entry-level contract. Interim head coach Brad Shaw has the flexibility to integrate him without disrupting the existing line combinations.
Adding Hutson to the Flyers would not only enhance their lineup but also intensify the rivalry with Canadiens fans. The Canadiens notably passed on selecting Michkov in the 2023 NHL Draft, while both Michkov and Lane Hutson are now competing for the prestigious Calder Memorial Trophy this season. The prospect of Quinn Hutson joining forces with Michkov in Philadelphia would undoubtedly create a buzz among fans and media alike.
From a hockey standpoint, Hutson's skill set is impressive. He has a knack for locating soft spots in defensive coverages and possesses a diverse array of shot techniques. While his smaller stature at 5-foot-11 may require him to continue developing his play strength and defensive skills, the trajectory of his career mirrors that of Michkov, who has also proven to be a formidable player despite initial concerns about his size.
As the season draws to a close, Hutson is expected to attract considerable interest from multiple NHL teams eager to secure his services. Although the allure of joining his brother Lane in Montreal may be tempting, the Flyers should not overlook this opportunity. The timing is right for them to make a move, especially after Karsen Dorwart signed his entry-level contract with the Flyers on the same night Hutson delivered his game-winning performance.
Meanwhile, the Calder Trophy race is heating up, with Lane Hutson of the Canadiens emerging as a strong contender. The last player from Montreal to win the Calder Trophy was legendary goalie Ken Dryden back in 1972. This year, Lane Hutson is vying for the accolade alongside Calgary Flames goaltender Dustin Wolf and forwards Macklin Celebrini of the San Jose Sharks and Matvei Michkov of the Philadelphia Flyers.
On a recent episode of Daily Faceoff LIVE, the debate raged on about who would be the better franchise cornerstone: Lane Hutson or Dustin Wolf. Frank Seravalli expressed his preference for Hutson, stating, "I think you can probably get some modicum of goaltending from a bunch of different sources that aren’t a high-end player or prospect. I think that is the differentiator." Hutson's rookie season has been nothing short of spectacular, as he has accumulated 50 assists, a feat only achieved by five players in NHL history.
As the playoffs approach, the excitement surrounding the Calder Trophy race is palpable. Lane Hutson's remarkable performance has placed him in the spotlight, and oddsmakers are now favoring him over Macklin Celebrini for the coveted award. The Canadiens' top line has been performing exceptionally well, and with Hutson's contributions, they are poised to make a significant impact in the postseason.
In other news, Kaiden Guhle, a Canadiens defenseman, recently reflected on his injury, describing the moment as the "scariest" of his life. Fortunately, doctors reassured him that the injury was not as severe as initially feared. Meanwhile, Alex Newhook has been generating offensive chances off the rush, adding to the Canadiens' offensive depth.
As the Flyers weigh their options, the addition of Quinn Hutson could prove to be a game-changer for the franchise. With the right development and support, he has the potential to become a key player in the NHL. The Flyers should seize the opportunity to secure Hutson's talents, not just for his skills on the ice, but also for the excitement he would bring to the organization and its fans.
As the situation unfolds, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see if the Flyers make a move for Quinn Hutson, a player whose determination and growth could very well shape the future of the franchise.