3. Will Quinn Hughes win the Calder?
One of the most notable storylines surrounding the Canucks this season was Quinn Hughes’ phenomenal rookie campaign. Currently, his 53 points in 68 games leads all rookies in scoring, a statistic made particularly impressive by the fact that Hughes is a defenceman.
His has certainly been the best rookie season by a defenceman in franchise history, and some of Hughes’ numbers suggest that it may be one of the best in ever. The 20-year-old would be a shoo-in for the Calder Trophy if not for fellow rookie defender Cale Makar of the Colorado Avalanche, who has had almost just as good a season, or according to many, a better one.
Makar has led the Calder race for most of the season, but that gap has steadily closed. A late-season poll released on NHL.com had Makar ahead by just five points as of late February, and that could have easily changed with a late season push from either player.
At this point, it has not been determined whether the NHL will hand out its usual slate of awards if the remainder of the season is indeed cancelled. Logic dictates that they will, albeit without the annual ceremony.
There has been enough of a season to determine who deserves each award, so why not? The Calder race has been too close to call all season, but we likely will get an answer to this question eventually.
There is no telling exactly to what degree each of these major questions will receive an answer, but we can hope that speculation will become reality in time. Hopefully the NHL will return in time to finish the season, but if a full cancellation is best for public safety, then so be it. Until then, stay safe, Canucks fans.