ARLINGTON, V.A. — John Carlson may no longer be with the Washington Capitals, but that doesn't mean he isn't looking out for them. That includes rookie Cole Hutson. Carlson, who was traded to the Anaheim Ducks ahead of the 2026 NHL Trade Dealdine, reached out to Hutson before his final game at Boston University on Saturday. Following BU's loss to UConn, Hutson signed his entry-level contract with the Capitals on Sunday. Hearing from Carlson meant a lot to the 19-year-old blueliner, who not only looked up to Carlson, but models a lot of his game as an offensive defenseman after him. "Extremely crazy. He was one of my favorite players growing up, and I was so excited to get the chance to play with him and obviously terrible he got traded," Hutson said. "He texted me, wished me good luck. He said he was looking forward to playing with me and showing me the ropes." Carlson didn't stop there; he told the Capitals rookie that his phone line was open if he needed anything, and to not hesitate to reach out. "He said, 'Good luck the rest of the year,' and if I needed advice to call him and just ask him whenever (I) want." Hutson joined the Capitals for the first time for practice on Tuesday, and his NHL debut could come as soon as Wednesday against the Ottawa Senators.
