The ”strong as ever” Quinn Hughes will rise to new heights when the Vancouver Canucks return to game-action for the 2020 NHL Play-In series.
Quinn Hughes was rocket fuel for the Vancouver Canucks right out of the gate this year, but can you expect the same from him and more when the NHL returns to complete the 2019-20 season? According to Pete Jensen, a Senior Fantasy Editor for the League’s website, the 20-year-old feels more than ready for the team’s five-game Play-In series and beyond.
"“Definitely recharged and chomping at the bit, I think maybe the four months here were a blessing in disguise for me because I feel really strong now and think that I can perform better in the playoffs now than I would have three and a 1/2 months ago. … I feel as strong as I’ve ever been, so I’m confident, excited, and ready to come back here.”"
Quickly becoming Vancouver’s best blueliner in any defensive situation, Hughes also notched an impressive 53 points (eight goals, 45 assists) in 68 contests. His incredible knack for offense was good enough to lead all NHL rookies in points (for the majority of the season), as well as tie him for fourth amongst all active NHL defenders (just two points back of Victor Hedman). That put him directly in the mix of some true No.1 blueliners.
"“This time away from the game has given me a lot of time to reflect on what I can get better at, reflect on the future, and what that series (against the Wild) may look like. They’re going to play hard, it’s going to be do-or-die. They’re going to probably play pretty physical, and those are things I’m going to have to get used to, and I welcome that. I think it’ll be really fun, honestly.”"
Hughes was arguably one of the most confident Canucks’ rookies ever seen. His ability to speak the truth in his game, own it, fix it, or do whatever he needs to do was seriously second to none. He gained momentum with each passing game and by the time the All-Star Weekend rolled around, Hughes was full steam ahead. He led all NHL defenders in points post-ASGW.
To this point, the American-born talent has done nothing to gain doubt from his fans, and why would they doubt him? Hughes was a freak of nature from start to finish running more than his fair share of important plays up and down the ice for Vancouver. He’s got the energy to burn for days and the quarantine should reflect that. Nearly four months off will do wonders for the Canucks’ best defender.
Time off to recuperate can never be a bad thing, especially on lockdown living in a house full of future NHL stars. Training three hours a day with his younger brothers Jack and Luke, Hughes should be more than ready to go when camp reopens. What do you think?