|
Canucks' Hughes Expected to be Club's Next Captain |
|
|
|
|
|
Since trading Bo Horvat to the New York Islanders last season, the Vancouver Canucks have been without a captain. Yet, it appears that things could be changing on that front soon, as multiple sources are hearing that star defenseman Quinn Hughes may be rocking the 'C' for the Canucks.
On a recent episode of his 32 Thoughts podcast, prominent NHL insider Elliotte Friedman had this to say about Hughes: “I got to tell you, the money is on Quinn Hughes to be captain of the Vancouver Canucks. I like it. I think Hughes really cares. To me, your captain has to care, like really care, and I think that guy really cares.”
When a top-of-the-line source like Friedman reports something like this, it naturally needs to be paid close attention to.
Friedman is not the only one hearing that Hughes could be named captain, either. Rick Dhaliwali reported earlier this week that he's heard from multiple people that Hughes will be the team's next captain.
Here's a direct quote from Dhaliwal during a recent appearance on Sportsnet 650 on the matter: "I told you guys last week that I’m starting to hear Quinn Hughes for captain, and then yesterday on Donnie and Dhali I said it again, that I’m getting a lot of feedback. A lot of guys texting me that Quinn is going to be captain, and then Elliotte dropped it this morning. So it does look like it’s going to be Quinn Hughes. You can’t give it to Elias (Pettersson). His contract situation is just too much in the air. You don’t know if he’s going to be here in a year or two. It looks like the Canucks are heading in that direction (Hughes as captain).”
Seeing Hughes officially named captain would not be all that surprising. Head coach Rick Tocchet has publicly expressed confidence in the idea of the star's ability to be one. For example, at the end of last season, Tocchet stated that Hughes has the qualities to be an NHL captain. He also hinted at the prospect of Hughes being team captain while on the Missin' Curfew podcast earlier this summer saying: "He’s projecting to that level. I don’t know what I’m going to do yet. Huggy has really kind of made that trajectory to be a captain."
Hughes, 23, has emerged as one of the NHL's top defensemen over the last few seasons. Yet, this past campaign he took a notable step forward, posting seven goals to go along with new career highs in assists (69) and points (76). It was an excellent season, yes, but he also displayed characteristics of being a true leader, and Tocchet clearly has noticed.
If given the captaincy, Hughes would hold the role for multiple years, as he is locked up until the completion of the 2026-27 season. This factor could very well also play a role in the Canucks' final decision.
Nevertheless, how do you feel about the real possibility of Hughes being named as the club's next captain? Is there anyone else who you would prefer to see as captain, perhaps a player like J.T. Miller? Let your thoughts be heard in the comments.
Vancouver Canucks Blogger • 
Join the Discussion:
»
