Three players to watch on Team USA at 2024 WJC
Lane Hutson, D: There was no doubt Hutson was one of the most effective players in his draft class. The question was always about size. Listed at 5-foot-10, 161 pounds, Hutson has tore up his first year plus with Boston University in the NCAA. He was a Hobey Baker finalist as a freshman last year after putting up 15 goals and 48 points in just 39 games played. After playing well at the world juniors last year, he was named to USA’s men’s national team and performed well at the worlds with six points in nine games. He skates well, has plenty of poise, knows when to make plays and how to make them. This will be yet another proving ground for a player who has always risen to the challenge.
Cutter Gauthier, C: The fifth overall pick by Philadelphia in the 2022 draft has continued to raise his game. Gauthier has size and plays with some bite to his game, but he’s super skilled. He gets to the net and is strong enough to maintain net-front position. He can score from all over the ice, but has hands that work well in the small area game. After a men’s worlds that saw him put up nine points, it was suggested he may sign with the Flyers. Instead, he returned to Boston College and has 13 goals and 23 points in 17 games to date.
Rutger McGroarty, LW: Hospitalized earlier this season, the Jets first round pick from the 2022 draft recovered in time to be named team captain. McGroarty is an interesting offensive player. He finds soft ice around the net to make him a viable scoring option. He also possesses excellent vision and is good at protecting the puck long enough for teammates to get open. He was a point-per-game player in both the NCAA and last year’s world juniors.
