| Quinn Hutson | Muskegon Lumberjacks | USHL | R | F | 5’10” | 165 | Boston University | 2021 | North Barrington, IL | 2002 | 2020-2021: C+ |
USHL: Muskegon Lumberjacks vs Chicago Steel, April 2021: Hutson had a nice power play goal in this one. He was positioned as the bumper as the Lumberjacks worked the puck high to low and right to left and he showed perfect power play awareness when creeping back door for an easy back door tap in. He was strong on the puck during offensive zone cycling and used his points after drawing the Steel defensive zone coverage to him. Hutson showed a good explosive stride when jumping onto loose pucks and had excellent straight line speed when pursuing as the F1 on a backcheck. He was only credited with two shots on net, but was a constant factor in creating confusion and screens in front of the Steel goalie.
USHL: Youngstown Phantoms vs Muskegon Lumberjacks, April 2021: Hutson had a fantastic game for the Lumberjacks registering two goals and one assist on ten total shots in the contest. As is evident from his shot total, he was creating offence throughout the night and was not shy about putting the puck to the net. The Boston University commit used his skating to push defenders back and take the puck hard to the net. If lanes weren’t open to drive the puck to the crease he did a great job of delaying and letting the play pass him by before shooting the puck through traffic on the net. Without the puck on his stick, he used his instincts well to find open space and make himself an option. On his first goal, Hutson slowed down on the rush to create separation, received the pass, pulled the puck into his body and fired a hard wrist shot that beat the goalie high. Hutson scored his second goal on the rush as well, this time carrying the puck down the wall with speed and firing a hard shot that beat the goaltender. Throughout the game he was winning battles, creating loose pucks, and forcing turnovers, always keeping his feet moving. Overall, Hutson’s skating, willingness to get the puck to the net, and competitive level made separated him and were directly responsible for his productivity in this contest. Grade: A
USHL: Muskegon Lumberjacks vs. Youngstown Phantoms, March 2021: Hutson had a quieter game here but showed a lot of raw ability. He has a smooth set of hands, he can shield the puck well along the wall and on line rushes and a quick release on his snapshot that he gets off in stride and under pressure. He’s not the biggest guy on the ice but he’s savvy, he catches passes effortlessly in the neutral zone and had a nice high wheel in the offensive zone where he drew the defender to him and then dropped it back to the point who was wide open and had time and space to make a play. For an undersized first year junior player he’s making a quick transition to the USHL and has plenty of upside going forward as a skilled offensive playmaker. College: Boston University Grade: B-
BCHL: Pre-season Penticton vs Vernon, November 2020: Hutson exploded in Saturday’s game racking up 3 goals and an assist, and was a force all weekend for his team. He possesses a great shot that is very accurate, and has the ability to score from almost anywhere in the offensive zone. What seems to make his shot so effective is his ability to release the puck quickly and accurately put it on target in small windows. Hutson did a really good job of making sure he put pucks on net all weekend, but also showed he can make plays and had a very nice assist on the rush, giving his teammate the ability to one-time the pass for a goal. He did a really good job of putting himself in positions to support teammates, and create lanes for shots to the net. Hutson continued his strong play during this “Extended Pre-season” and will be looking to carry this success into the regular season. Grade: A
2020 Senior Battle of Boston, August 2020: Hutson is a true goal scorer and playmaker. He is athletic, has a smooth stride and really took charge on the ice at both end of the rink. His ability to create chances through his footwork, acceleration, and smooth hands stood out and made him their teams go-to-guy most the tournament. Quinn scored a nice one-timer goal from inside the circles and then followed it up with an assist the next shift. His shot is dangerous as it is a hard release and can come from anywhere inside the offensive zone making it difficult on opposing goalies. He had a shoot first mentality this weekend, but that didn’t stop him from setting up his teammates with passes to the slot area or trailing guys on the zone entry. He is a smart, heads up player who is ready for the next level. College: Boston University Grade: A-
Michigan (MAHA) Festival 2002s, May 2019: Quin is a strong skater who likes to handle the puck and he makes good choices. He has a quick release and a hard shot as he some scoring opportunities but he failed to capitalize. He works hard in the corners and plays a physical game to create turnovers, which gives him scoring chances for himself and teammates. College: Boston University
U16 USA Hockey Nationals, May 2019: Hutson really impressed us throughout the tournament with his size and skill combo. He’s a poised puck carrier, he has soft hands and can fire a puck from beyond the circles and score. He led several rushes up the ice and has both the power and balance go get through traffic areas and the patience and finesse to maneuver around defenders. He’s got a tall, athletic frame and he has the speed and smooth stride to attack any defenseman 1v1. He had a brilliant cross crease assist off a faceoff, he scored a nice one-touch driving hard to the net front with his stick on the ice and he was constantly creating chances for himself and his linemates. He ended the week with a 2-2-4 line but he could have had a lot more given the number of plays he created. Hutson has a potent shot and can blast it from anywhere in the offensive zone; he can hit one-timers, he can fire it in stride, he can pull up and shoot from a standstill and he can get in tight and shows touch around the net. With his size, heads up puck skill and a nice blend of bite and toughness, he has developed into one of the best uncommitted ‘02s in the country.
U16: ECC Labor Day Showcase, September 2019: Hutson was not the main story considering all of the D1 commits on his team but he played an effective puck protection game that kept the offense rolling in the attacking zone. We liked his ability to shield the puck using his strong frame at 6’ 180. He also was deployed on the power play and showed good vision by firing a puck cross-ice for an easy goal to put his team ahead. We look forward to seeing what else he can bring in the coming season. Grade: B
U16: HPHL U16 Plymouth, MI Showcase, February 2018: The undersized forward was quick and shifty while possessing the puck. His feet and stick moved rapidly while attacking defenders. He will need to get stronger as opponents can knock him off the puck at times. He has a good head start on his development by displaying hockey sense and skill.
U14: HPHL Bantam Championships, February 2017: Quinn is a hard worker who is very effective on the forecheck creating turnovers. He is a quick skater who has great edges to beat the opposition. He has some slick hands and the ability to score goals.
U14: The Cup North American Championship, January 2017: He never stops moving and is a total pest to the opposing team. He is small but mighty in his game much of the time. He is a skilled player who knows how to make plays and set-up his teammates. He was able to find open space and get into scoring areas with ease. He handles the puck well and uses his teammates to make plays and set-up chances.
Photo Credit: Dan Hickling/Hickling Images