Habs' Hutson: 'I'm a USA Hockey player and that's just how it is'

Montreal Canadiens defenseman Lane Hutson rejected the notion that he'd consider switching to play for Team Canada in the future.

Hutson's father, Rob, suggested the move recently, expressing his frustration with Team USA for omitting his son from its Olympic orientation camp in August. He pointed out that Lane is a dual citizen and holds a Canadian passport.

"What clip?" Hutson joked to reporters at the Canadiens' annual golf tournament Monday, per TVA Sports. "He gets emotional, and sometimes that gets the best of you, and you say things you don't necessarily mean. It maybe gets taken out of context or whatever, but I'm proud to be American. I love USA Hockey; they've done so much for me.

"Also, I love playing in Canada. I'm very fortunate, but I'm a USA Hockey player and that's just how it is."

Hutson played with the U.S. national development team for two seasons and has represented the United States at the U18 World Championship, world juniors, and World Championship.

He'd be in for a lengthy process if he did want to switch his IIHF eligibility to Canada. Since Huston has already played in an IIHF championship for the U.S., he would need to submit a transfer to the IIHF and wait four years without participating in an international event before he'd be eligible to play for Canada.

Hutson tallied six goals and 66 points in 82 games last season and won the Calder Trophy as the NHL's Rookie of the Year. The 5-foot-10 rearguard ranked seventh among defensemen league-wide in scoring.