Canucks' Quinn Hughes Key to Playoff Push

Hughes has battled injuries all season and still isn’t feeling 100% upon returning to the lineup, but the Canucks are a much better team with him on the ice. As the reigning Norris Trophy winner for the NHL’s best defenseman, Hughes leads the Canucks in scoring by a wide margin.

In 51 games played this season, Hughes has picked up 14 goals and 47 assists for 61 total points. The next-highest producer on Vancouver’s roster is Conor Garland with 39 points (16G-23A).

The Canucks’ defensive game has been battered with injuries all season both from the blue line and between the pipes. Hughes has been part of that injury list, but he makes the most impact when he’s on the ice.

Star goalie Thatcher Demko and defenseman Noah Juulsen are both on injured reserve while blue liner Tyler Myers was absent against the Flames. Young defenseman Elias Pettersson was also an early exit in Calgary with just 4:06 of ice time.

The numbers speak for themselves but it’s clear that the Canucks are a better team with Hughes on the ice.

With 17 games remaining in their season, the Canucks will rely on their captain to lead the charge as the playoffs are still very much a possibility.