Cole Hutson picked up right where he left off for Team USA at the 2026 World Junior Championship.

Hutson, who missed two games after taking a puck to the back of the head and needing to be stretchered off the ice, scored the first goal for the Americans in their quarterfinal matchup with Finland on Friday night. After a scoreless first period, Hutson broke the deadlock on the very first shift of the second frame.

The 19-year-old blueliner joined a rush up the ice and received a feed from forward Kamil Bednarik near the top of the left circle. Hutson quickly released a wicked wrister that clanged off the post and beat netminder Petteri Rimpinen.

After the Finns tied the game at one, Hutson was again a significant factor in putting the Americans back in front. With Team USA on a power play, Hutson received the puck at the point and skated it below the circles in the offensive zone. Instead of peeling around the net, he laid a perfect sauce pass on the tape of Boston University teammate Cole Eiserman.

Eiserman pumped home a one-time blast to put the team up 2-1 with 9:45 remaining in the second period. The goal was Eiserman’s second of the tournament, both set up by Hutson.

History was made on the two plays as Hutson tied and then passed Erik Johnson (14) for Team USA’s all-time defense scoring lead at the tournament with 15 points (4g, 11a). The apple on Eiserman’s goal also allowed Hutson to pass Ryan Suter (10) for the career assists record.

Huston’s older brother, star Montreal Canadiens defenseman Lane Hutson, had 10 points (1g, 9a) in 14 games at his two tournaments for Team USA.

Team USA’s all-time defense scoring leaders at World Juniors

Player
Games
Goals
Assists
Points
Cole Hutson 10 4 11 15 Erik Johnson 14 5 9 14 Ryan Suter 20 3 10 13 Tim Thomas 14 4 8 12 Luke Hughes 13 5 6 11 Zeev Buium 14 5 6 11 Jacob Trouba 13 4 7 11 Zach Werenski 12 3 8 11 Tom Pederson 7 2 8 10 Ryan Ufko 7 1 9 10 Lane Hutson 14 1 9 10

Hutson’s tremendous return comes after a frightening injury that looked like it could have ended Hutson’s tournament. Hutson, who was briefly hospitalized, was in a very reflective mood as he prepared for Friday’s contest.

“Obviously, pretty tough week for me,” Hutson told NHL Network’s Jon Morosi pregame. “A lot of emotions, but could be my last time ever wearing a USA jersey. Playing with my best friends, and it’s lose or go home, so it’s going to be a big one.

“[I want to thank] honestly everybody who reached out,” he added. “All the USA Hockey staff, Washington Capitals, Boston University. Literally, countless messages from people all over the world, and can’t thank them enough.”

Hutson now has four points (1g, 3a) in three games at this year’s tournament. If Team USA can defeat Finland, they’ll play again in the semifinals on Sunday.