Cole Hutson reflected on his first experience in the NHL, saying he plans to improve his strength and speed ahead of next season.
Speaking about his early games, Hutson described the physical challenge of the league after a collision with Charlie Coyle of the Columbus Blue Jackets.
He said, “I don’t think he saw me. I think he just walked past me and it looked like I got hit by a train.”
He said the pace of the NHL is much higher than college hockey. “The players are so good that you can’t guess what they’re doing, because they’ll beat you just as you’re thinking of beating them,” Hutson said.
“It happens so fast, that’s how fast the game goes.”
Despite the adjustment, Hutson recorded 10 points in 14 games during his first stint.
“Just getting bigger, stronger, faster, it’s just normal things I try to do every summer as a younger guy,” he said.
“I learned a lot… it was an incredible experience for me,” adding that the experience gives him a strong foundation for the next season.
Hutson is expected to continue training in the off-season as he aims to secure a regular place in the league.
