Quinn Hutson arrived safely in Edmonton after his flight to the Alberta Capital was diverted when the plane’s engine was reportedly seen with flames coming out of it.
According to Denver news station 9News, United Airlines flight UA2325, which took off from Denver International Airport at 7:21 pm MST Sunday, had to divert back to the city to address a “possible wildlife strike,” United told the outlet.
The Nation Network’s Jeff Marek reported that Hutson, whose contract with the Oilers became official Monday, was on the flight, but has since arrived in Edmonton safe.
A tracker showed the flight turning around shortly after takeoff before circling the airport, landing at 8:04 p.m. MST. The plane, a Boeing 737-600, was carrying 153 passengers and six crew members, United told 9News, and that no injuries were reported. The flight eventually landed in Edmonton at 1:00 am MST Monday.
Footage acquired by 9News showed a plane with flames coming out of the engine.
Hutson, 23, could make his NHL debut Monday night for the Oilers when they host a pivotal game against the Los Angeles Kings, Oilers broadcaster Bob Stauffer said.
The right-shot, right-winger just finished a three year stint at the NCAA’s Boston University, and is coming off a tremendous offensive season for the Terriers in which he scored 23 goals and 50 points in 38 games. He helped his team reach the Frozen Four national championship game, which ended in a loss to the Western Michigan Broncos.
His 1.39 points-per-game this year were second in the college ranks behind only Tampa Bay Lightning prospect and Western Michigan forward Isaac Howard, who had 1.41.
Oilersnation’s Bruce Curlock spoke highly of Hutson as a prospect, calling the signing “very good” for the Oilers organization.
“The team lacks both prospects and draft capital, and they’re getting older at an alarming pace. This signing gives the Oilers a player who may be closer to NHL games because of his age. While I think Hutson needs time in the AHL to work on his strength and his play-driving, there is a foundation of NHL skill here that could help the Oilers in the near future.”
The Oilers take on the Kings with a 8:00 pm MST puck drop.
Zach Laing is Oilersnation’s associate editor, senior columnist, and The Nation Network’s news director. He also makes up one-half of the DFO DFS Report. He can be followed on Twitter, currently known as X, at @zjlaing, or reached by email at zach.laing@bettercollective.com.
