The Vancouver Canucks will face the Anaheim Ducks on Wednesday without their captain, Quinn Hughes, who is sidelined due to injury. Canucks head coach Rick Tocchet confirmed Hughes’ absence after the defenseman sustained the injury during the third period of the Canucks’ recent 6-3 loss to the Seattle Kraken on Saturday night.
Hughes, who had been leading the team with 60 points this season, participated briefly in practice on Tuesday after the injury but left after about 15 minutes. According to Tocchet, Hughes had “tweaked something” against the Kraken. While the exact nature of his injury remains undisclosed, Tocchet noted, "He'll get a bunch of treatment and we'll go from there.”
This injury is particularly frustrating for Hughes, who recently returned after missing six games due to another ailment. Earlier this season, he also sat out four games with what was described as an undisclosed injury. tocchet remarked on the challenges Hughes faces, stating, “Sometimes I've got to intervene and be the bad guy. The guy wants to play.”
Despite the recent setbacks, Hughes guards his place among the league’s elite defensemen, having won the Norris Trophy last season, awarded to the NHL's top defenseman. On returning, Hughes appeared unable to rekindle the same level of performance—he finished with one shot on goal and was minus-three against Seattle, and he missed the final nine minutes of the game.
“Eighty percent Quinn we'll take on our team right now,” Tocchet said, acknowledging the impact Hughes has even if he isn't at his best. The Canucks currently sit 27-22-11, just two points behind the Calgary Flames for the second wildcard spot in the Western Conference playoffs.
With the NHL trade deadline approaching on March 7 at noon PT, the Canucks face mounting pressure to bolster their lineup. Hughes’ absence adds to the urgency as Vancouver prepares for strategic decisions surrounding roster changes. Tocchet will need to balance the risk of rushing Hughes back onto the ice with the necessity of securing points as the season intensifies.
Meanwhile, the Ducks come off of their own victory against the Edmonton Oilers, having won 6-2 and welcome back Trevor Zegras from suspension. Anaheim's recent success, aided by solid performances from its players, allows for increased confidence moving forward. Cutter Gauthier, who shined against the Oilers, expressed his thoughts on team synergy, stating, "Just after every single shift, just boost each other up, whether it's a bad play or a great play, we're there for each other.”
For the Canucks to carve out a playoff spot, every game means more now than ever. Hughes is clearly central to the team's success. Support from players like Tyler Myers will likely prove pivotal as they prepare to face the Ducks, especially as Hughes takes the time he needs to recover from his current injury.
The game against the Ducks will be held at Rogers Arena, with puck drop scheduled for 7:30 PM PT. Canucks fans will undoubtedly watch closely to see how their team responds without their top defenseman, especially during this high-stakes season.