Hutson: Team USA needs scorer like Caufield in 'big moments'

Montreal Canadiens defenseman Lane Hutson believes teammate Cole Caufield should make Team USA's Olympic roster due to his clutch goal-scoring ability.

"I think we saw it when (Team USA) went to OT versus Canada. They need someone to score, and in those big moments, that's something (Caufield) can bring," Hutson said after Caufield scored his second consecutive game-winning overtime goal Thursday, according to Sportsnet's Eric Engels.

He continued, "Not only that, I think he generates so much at five-on-five, and he's a threat on the power play. I think when you give him some good players to play with, he makes them even better, and he shines through. Just the skill and the work ethic and the scoring threat that he is, I think he should be on that team."

Caufield's winning goal versus the Nashville Predators was his 10th career overtime tally, which ties him with Howie Morenz and Max Pacioretty for the Canadiens' all-time record. Caufield did it in 168 fewer games than the Hall of Famer Morenz and 334 fewer contests than Pacioretty.

Caufield also tallied the game-tying goal in the final minute against Nashville, with the assist coming from Hutson.

Caufield featured on Team USA's Olympic orientation camp roster in August. He's represented his nation at the 2024 World Championship and at multiple junior tournaments, including the 2020 and 2021 world juniors.

Provisional Olympic rosters must be submitted by Dec. 31.