ST. PAUL – Cole Hutson will return to Team USA’s lineup Friday night for their do-or-die quarterfinal against Finland at the World Junior Championship. Hutson is six days removed from being taken off the ice on a stretcher following his being struck by a puck in the back of the neck. 

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Hutson was released from the hospital after hours of observation and has been cleared to return. He has been on the ice the last few days, but was held out as a precaution following the injury. He missed each of USA’s last two games including a 6-3 loss to Sweden on Wednesday.

With Hutson back in the lineup, Team USA will scratch Dakoda Rheaume-Mullen and get their top pairing back together. Adam Kleber (BUF) has been Hutson’s primary partner throughout the tournament and the two could see significant minutes.

The Boston University defenseman is on the verge of making U.S. WJC history. He is just one point shy of tying USA’s career points record for defensemen. He currently has 13 points after 11 last year and two in his first game this year.

Though Hutson will return, Max Plante remains out of the lineup for Team USA after taking a hard hit in the game against Slovakia. He is still listed as day-to-day, but did skate on his own Friday morning as he hopes to return.

USA is looking to win an unprecedented third straight gold medal and their first on home ice. To do it, they have to get through Finland first, which will be no easy task. If all of the favorites win their quarterfinals today, USA will meet Canada in the semifinal on Sunday.

Team USA’s quarterfinal matchup against Finland is at 5 p.m. CT. It will be broadcast live on NHL Network in the United States. 

2026 World Juniors Quarterfinal Schedule

Friday, January 2

• 12:30 p.m. ET - Germany vs. Denmark
• 2:00 p.m. ET Sweden vs. Latvia
• 4:30 p.m. ET Czechia vs. Switzerland
• 6:00 p.m. ET USA vs. Finland
• 8:30 p.m. ET Canada vs. Slovakia

2026 World Juniors Medal Round Schedule, Semifinals and Final

Sunday, January 4

• 4:30 p.m. ET - Semifinals Game 1
• 8:30 p.m. ET - Semifinals Game 2

Monday, January 5

• 4:30 p.m. ET - Bronze Medal Game
• 8:30 p.m. ET - Gold Medal Game

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