Chychrun leads all NHL defensemen with 23 goals, and is excited to help show Hutson the ropes with the Capitals.
Washington Capitals defenseman Jakob Chychrun does see some of himself in rookie Cole Hutson, though he admits that the young blueliner may already be better in some areas than he is.
"I don't know if I can handle the puck quite like he can," Chychrun quipped.
Both Chychrun and Hutson have that offensive edge to their games, with Chychrun leading all NHL defensemen in goals this season and Hutson among the league's top prospects.
Together, they bring an impressive 1-2 punch to Washington's defense corps, with both quarterbacking the power play and able to move the puck efficiently up ice.
Through 69 games this season, Chychrun has 23 goals and 28 assists for 51 points, the first among all Washington blueliners and third on the team overall.
Hutson has two points — both coming on the power play — three shots and is shooting 21 percent through three games so far.
"It's fun to watch," Chychrun said. "All these young guys, the skill is off the charts... when I was coming into the league, it was still pretty much way more of a veteran presence, and now these young guys come in and they're so confident right away."
For coach Spencer Carbery, Chychrun can be an vital resource for Hutson, especially with John Carlson, who Hutson grew up watching and modeling some of his game after, being traded.
"Chychy sort of, I would say, is the closest to Cole's identity of what he's going to be as a National Hockey League defenseman," coach Spenccer Carbery said. "So there's a lot that Chychy can help him with, and he can lean on him for being a young player and letting your offensive game sort of grow while focusing on some fundamental things as a defenseman in the NHL."
Chychrun's ready to help where he can, though he thinks Hutson will be just fine with the confidence and poise he's shown so far.
And, ultimately, that's what Chychrun's excited to see more of on the blue line as the Capitals continue a difficult push for the playoffs.
"It's exciting when you get these young guys... we've been grinding for a long time," Chychrun said. "To get that fresh face, fresh skill, young skill, is always fun to see. It's fun to watch him do his thing."