‘He’s the type of kid who’s chasing perfection. He’s always looking to get better. It’s like Sidney Crosby, he has that mindset.’ — Rick Tocchet on Quinn Hughes
You can save this article by registering for free here. Or sign-in if you have an account.
Are we talking enough about Quinn Hughes? Probably not.
Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada.
Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada.
Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience.
Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience.
The Vancouver Canucks captain quietly goes about his business in a diligent and driven manner to improve every aspect of his multi-dimensional game.
He doesn’t seek the spotlight, but it follows the Norris Trophy winner because of what he has already accomplished as a driving force to become a more complete player — those vital attributes that don’t show up on the scoresheet or in highlight reels.
While Hughes trails his NHL peers in point production after seven games with six points (1-5) — Cale Makar of the Colorado Avalanche had a whopping 15 points (3-12) through eight games to lead all blueliners — it’s his tireless agility and ability to log mammoth ice time and dominate in tempo and flow that has helped fuel the Canucks’ four-game win streak.
Essential reading for hockey fans who eat, sleep, Canucks, repeat.
By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc.
A welcome email is on its way. If you don’t see it, please check your junk folder.
The next issue of Canucks Report will soon be in your inbox.
We encountered an issue signing you up. Please try again
“He’s the type of kid who’s chasing perfection,” lauded Canucks head coach Rick Tocchet. “I don’t think he ever sits back. He’s always looking to get better. It’s like Sidney Crosby. He has that mindset.”
The Canucks are outscoring and outshooting the opposition by a wide margin — and also dominating shot creation and suppression — when Hughes is on the ice at even strength. It’s the sum of those parts in the game that have always intrigued Hughes.
He knows his points will come if team structure is strong and sustained. He leads the Canucks in Corsi-For even-strength rating at 63.1 per cent to measure puck control when he’s on the ice.
Hughes also hit a career-high for ice time with 31:29 on Oct. 11 against the Philadelphia Flyers and is averaging 25:10 per outing, compared to 24:41 last season. It speaks to fitness and durability by missing just 10 games the last three seasons.
“I played 98 games last year and didn’t miss a game,” stressed Hughes. “I have the format of how I can be successful, how I have to sleep and eat and train. I have that blueprint to build on my game. My goal isn’t the Norris, it’s the process. If I’m competing and attacking the way I want every game, good things will happen.
“Consistency is the sign of a great player. Makar has been up for the Norris four of the last five years and that’s consistency.”
All of this isn’t surprising.
Hughes was ingrained to be a rare talent and respectful at a young age in a strong family sporting lineage. It will be on display when he faces brothers Jack and Luke of the New Jersey Devils on Wednesday at Rogers Arena.
And while it’s dangerous to look past any game — especially with the surging Carolina Hurricanes here Monday — it’s hard not to anticipate a marquee matchup.
Here’s what awaits the 4-1-2 Canucks this week:
When and where: Monday 7 p.m. | Rogers Arena
TV: SN Pacific. Radio: Sportsnet 650
Why watch: Rod Brind’Amour has buy-in
The imposing Carolina bench boss looks like he could still play. His club is poised to play as hard as it practises and a three-game win streak includes dominating the Kraken on Saturday in Seattle. The 4-1 win included leading in shots (39-19), shot attempts (93-34) and high-danger chances (13-5). The Hurricanes also topped the Flames 4-2 and Oilers 3-2 on this trip.
Who to watch: Right-winger Martin Necas
From disgruntled restricted free agent to leading his club in scoring. Necas went from weighing career options to finding peace and putting up nine points (3-6) in his first seven games, including two game winners. Speedster plays on potent first power play unit with Seth Jarvis and Sebastian Aho. The Hurricanes are 3-for-10 with the man advantage in their last three games.
When and where: Wednesday 7:30 p.m. | Rogers Arena
TV: SN Pacific. Radio: Sportsnet 650
Why watch: The Quinn, Jack, Luke Show
Quinn Hughes always lauded his younger brothers. Jack has superior skill level — 43 goals and 99 points in 2022-23 — to prove worthy of being first overall pick in 2019 draft. Luke has dominating size to blossom into elite blueliner and the fourth-overall pick in 2021 was a Calder Trophy finalist last season with 47 points (9-38). Had off-season shoulder injury and returned to play Thursday.
Who to watch: Centre Nico Hischier
Ten of the first 13 picks in the 2017 draft were centres. Hischier went first and Elias Pettersson fifth. Hischier, the swift Swiss captain, has seven points in his last five games (6-1), and his 12 points (9-3) through a dozen games include four power-play goals. Was second quickest from 2017 draft to hit 300 career points behind Pettersson, who did it in 306 games.
When and where: Saturday, 7 p.m. | SAP Center
TV: SN Pacific. Radio: Sportsnet 650
Why watch: Easy to bait toothless Sharks
San Jose heads into Salt Lake City on Monday without a win in its first nine outings (0-7-2) and bleeding badly by allowing the second most goals per game (4.22) and scoring the fewest (2.00). San Jose is also the first team to drop its first nine games in back-to-back seasons. The Boston Bruins lost their first eight in 1960-61 and again in 1961-62.
Who to watch: Centre Mikael Granlund
Without Macklin Celebrini, the first-overall pick in June who had a goal and an assist in his debut but is out at least another week with a lower-body injury, there’s little bite. Granlund has kept the Sharks from sinking to deeper depths with seven points (4-3) in his last five games. Leads the club with 10 points (4-6) in nine games and has three power-play goals.
Postmedia is committed to maintaining a lively but civil forum for discussion. Please keep comments relevant and respectful. Comments may take up to an hour to appear on the site. You will receive an email if there is a reply to your comment, an update to a thread you follow or if a user you follow comments. Visit our Community Guidelines for more information.
365 Bloor Street East, Toronto, Ontario, M4W 3L4
© 2024 The Province, a division of Postmedia Network Inc. All rights reserved. Unauthorized distribution, transmission or republication strictly prohibited.
This website uses cookies to personalize your content (including ads), and allows us to analyze our traffic. Read more about cookies here. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.
You can manage saved articles in your account.
and save up to 100 articles!
You can manage your saved articles in your account and clicking the X located at the bottom right of the article.
