Vancouver, B.C. – The Vancouver Canucks celebrated Fan Appreciation Night in style on April 17, 2025, unveiling the winners of the yearly Team Awards as the season came to a close. Leading the charge was none other than Quinn Hughes, who had a historic night, taking home six of the seven awards presented. The accolades included the prestigious Walter (Babe) Pratt Trophy for Best Defenceman, marking the sixth consecutive season he has claimed this honor.
Despite battling injuries throughout the season, Hughes showcased his incredible talent and resilience, finishing as the team's leading scorer with an impressive 76 points, comprised of 16 goals and 60 assists in just 68 games. His scoring prowess placed him third among NHL defensemen, trailing only Cale Makar and Zach Werenski.
Hughes' season was not just about individual accolades; it was also about milestones. Earlier in the week, on April 14, he tied Alex Edler for the most career points by a defenseman in Canucks history, reaching 409 points with a secondary assist on Jake DeBrusk's game-winning goal in a thrilling 2-1 overtime victory against the San Jose Sharks. Hughes achieved this remarkable feat in only 432 games, significantly quicker than Edler, who needed 925 games to reach the same milestone.
As the Canucks prepared for their final game against the Vegas Golden Knights, Hughes reflected on the significance of the moment. "I was lucky enough to watch Edler break it. I think it was my first career game when he did. Very honored. It's been a blessing to play here," he stated, underscoring the emotional weight of the achievement.
In addition to the Walter (Babe) Pratt Trophy, Hughes also won the Cyclone Taylor Trophy for Most Valuable Player, the Pavel Bure Award for Most Exciting Player, the Cyrus H. McLean Trophy for Leading Scorer, the Three Stars Award, and the Daniel & Henrik Sedin Community Award. This made him the first defenseman in franchise history to win the Cyrus H. McLean Trophy, the Pavel Bure Award, the Cyclone Taylor Trophy, and the Three Stars Award.
Hughes' remarkable season included several personal and franchise milestones. He played in his 400th career game on January 6 and recorded his 400th career point on March 22. He passed Stan Smyl for the third-most multi-assist games in Canucks history and joined Henrik Sedin as the only players in franchise history to record at least four consecutive seasons of 50 or more assists. Additionally, he surpassed Alexander Edler for the most power play points by a defenseman in Canucks history.
Notably, Hughes reached the 200-assist mark in the fourth-fewest games by a defenseman in NHL history. He also became only the sixth defenseman to record at least 70 points in 60 or fewer games in multiple seasons and joined six other defensemen in NHL history to record 75 or more points in three consecutive seasons. Furthermore, he became the fourth defenseman in league history to achieve at least four consecutive seasons of 60 or more assists.
While Hughes was the star of the night, he was not the only player recognized. Kiefer Sherwood received the Fred J. Hume Award as the team’s Unsung Hero. In his first season with the Canucks, Sherwood reached career highs with 19 goals, 21 assists, and 40 points in 78 games. He also made NHL history by recording 460 hits, setting a new record for most hits in a single season, surpassing Jeremy Lauzon's previous record.
As the Canucks concluded their season, the focus now shifts to the future. With Hughes leading the charge and a promising roster, fans are hopeful for a turnaround next season. The excitement surrounding Hughes' achievements and the team's potential is palpable, and the Canucks' fan base remains engaged and optimistic.
In a season filled with challenges, the Vancouver Canucks found a silver lining in the form of Quinn Hughes' remarkable performance and record-breaking milestones. As the team looks ahead, one thing is certain: Hughes will continue to be a cornerstone of the franchise and a player to watch in the seasons to come.
