Vancouver Canucks captain Quinn Hughes is officially set to miss his fourth consecutive game on Saturday as the team prepares to face off against the Toronto Maple Leafs. The 25-year-old defenseman has been sidelined after suffering what is believed to be an oblique injury during the Canucks' 5-3 loss to the Dallas Stars on January 31. Although Hughes skated hard on Saturday morning, head coach Rick Tocchet confirmed he will not be part of the lineup.
"I honestly at this moment don't know," Tocchet commented about Hughes' participation for Team USA in the upcoming 4 Nations Face-Off tournament, scheduled to begin next week on February 12. The uncertainty surrounding Hughes’ availability has raised questions about the team management's planning, especially with the tournament fast approaching.
After the Vancouver Canucks' solid showing without him, boasting two wins and one overtime loss (2-0-1), Hughes’s absence has made quite the impact. His role is particularly significant, not just as the captain, but also as the leading scorer on the roster and one of the top defensemen in the league. Hughes currently holds the second-place position among NHL defensemen with 14 goals and 45 assists across 47 games, and he leads the Canucks with 59 points overall.
The Canucks have navigated their games without Hughes, allowing just four goals against strong opponents like the Detroit Red Wings and Colorado Avalanche. Tocchet mentioned the team's defensive progress, attributing their success to players stepping up during Hughes’s absence. The young Elias Pettersson has shown notable improvement, and veteran leadership from the likes of Marcus Pettersson and Tyler Myers has helped stabilize the team.
"A committee back there," Tocchet explained. "The young Pettersson has really provided some juice. Obviously, Marcus Pettersson has provided some leadership and calmness back there. If you look at our D, guys are starting to, with the new additions, peak a little bit."
The stakes are high as the Canucks face the Toronto Maple Leafs, who are currently positioned second in the Atlantic Division. With the Maple Leafs sitting at 33 wins and just 19 losses, the contest will be pivotal as Vancouver looks to solidify their grip on the second wild-card spot within the Western Conference.
Tocchet, who is also serving as assistant coach for Team Canada, expressed his anticipation for the upcoming tournament, emphasizing the urgent need to come to a decision on Hughes's status. "The next hours, whether it's 24 hours or 12 hours, the dialogue's gotta ramp up," he stated. "We've got to figure this out because the U.S. is going to have to name a defenseman if he doesn't play. It's not like we got a few days; it's hours before the decision has got to be made."
The pressure is growing on Hughes as he weighs his options. Vancouver's GM Patrik Allvin confirmed the organization is supportive of the captain and trusts him to make the right decision for his health and career. "Quinn is extremely professional. He knows his body and what he can do or not do, so I trust him a lot," Allvin remarked following Hughes's practice.
Adding to the narrative is the emotional weight; Hughes not only carries the responsibility of leading his NHL team but also carries the aspirations for Team USA, especially considering his strong performances leading up to his injury. Hughes was one of the first players named to Team USA’s roster, alongside his brother, Jack Hughes, who plays for the New Jersey Devils.
Within the Canucks' fanbase, there remains hope and anxiety surrounding Hughes's injury and its impact on the team’s performance. They understand the balance between recovering properly and wanting to contribute at the highest levels, not just for Vancouver but also on the international stage.
With Hughes absent against the Maple Leafs at Rogers Arena on Saturday, fans will be eagerly awaiting updates about his recovery and potential participation in the 4 Nations tournament. The intrigue is palpable as they look to see whether Hughes can return to the ice for his country or if the captain will take the necessary steps to heal fully before rejoining the Canucks.