Hutchins was born in Bishop's Waltham, Hampshire and first played for Croydon Common before the outbreak of World War I.
During the war he guested as a player for Arsenal, playing over 100 wartime matches, and after peace broke out, he signed as a permanent player in April 1919, as Arsenal were promoted back into the Football League First Division.
He made his league debut against Sunderland at Roker Park on 13 September 1919 and became Arsenal's regular left back during the 1919-20 season, taking over from Frank Bradshaw who had moved up front to become an inside forward.
However, he only played ten games in 1922-23 before being dropped for Andy Kennedy.
Unable to regain his place, Hutchins moved to Charlton Athletic in July 1923.