The Capitals prospect shined for the Americans in a 6-3 win to kick off World Juniors.
It didn't take long for the Washington Capitals' prospects to make their mark on the international stage.
First up, Cole Hutson put on a show en route to Team USA's 6-3 victory over Team Germany in their first game of the 2026 World Juniors, as he picked up two assists and a plus/minus rating of plus-5.
Hutson was all over the ice, using his speed and vision to his advantage. He also totalled three shots and led all skaters with 24:20 minutes of ice time.
Not only was he strong offensively, but he locked things down in his own zone, and also showed his physical side with a bone-crushing hit on Mateu Spath Mariscal.
Fellow Washington prospect Maxim Schäfer skated 11:41 minutes in the loss for the Germans.
Then, later in the night, Team Czechia, led by captain and Capitals prospect Petr Sikora, faced Team Canada. Sikora had a goal and assist, but it wasn't enough in a heated loss to the Canadians.