The Washington Capitals may have found their future number-one defender in Cole Hutson, who they drafted at 43rd overall in the 2024 NHL Entry Draft. In a recent article from The Hockey News, Frank Zawrasky asked Porter Martone, Cole Hutson and another Capitals prospect, Andrew Cristall, for their Calder Trophy picks, which is awarded to the league's best rookie. Vegas Golden Knights' prospect Trevor Connolly predicted Hutson would win "for sure," and Cristall said that he thought it would come down to either Hutson or Martone. Hutson is expected to lead the Capitals' power play and be a key piece of their defensive depth, as the Capitals push for a playoff spot. It's hard to bet against Hutson this season, who seems like a dominant offensive producer.