Canucks: More on Brandt Clarke, Simon Edvinsson, Luke Hughes

Luke Hughes

This is where it gets interesting.

The final spot on the Canucks’ blueline rankings is left-handed defenceman Luke Hughes. Despite being third in the article slideshow, Hughes actually slots higher than both Clarke and Edvinsson in Benning’s book, as well as for most scouts and insiders.

Hughes spent the 2020-21 campaign with the U.S. National Development Program, suiting up for their U-18 national team. In 36 games with the organization, Hughes registered six goals and 28 assists, putting him just under a point-per-game pace.

Like older brothers Jack and Quinn, Luke also stays true to the Hughes brand with his creativity, dynamic play-making skills and smooth puck-handling abilities, and is well-regarded as one of the best natural skaters, regardless of position, in this year’s draft class.

At only 17 years old, Luke has nearly perfected his overall skating form. Similar to brother Quinn, Luke excels when he starts with the puck in his defensive zone. He consistently showcases flexibility, explosiveness and impressive strides when he carries the puck into the neutral zone, and can easily leave opponents in the dust with his ankle-breaking crossovers and high IQ deception.

Offensive prowess and smooth skating aside, Luke also appears to be more defensively-sound than Quinn. During the 2020-21 season, Luke was able to drastically improve on a number of defensive fundamentals, including the ability to close down the gap with opponents, as well as better overall timing in the neutral zone. Luke also has the upper-hand when it comes to size, already clocking in at 6’2″ and 176 pounds.

However, as expected with an offence-first, point-producing blueliner, Luke does struggle with limiting the amount of turnovers in his own end. He has a tendency to completely overlook or underestimate incoming threats when scanning the ice and, like both Clarke and Edvinsson, doesn’t often make the simple pass to a teammate.

Much like Quinn, Luke will definitely need to fix that flaw if he wants to make his mark on the league as a crafty, deceptive blueliner that can light up the scoresheet.

There’s no doubt that Luke is one of the best defencemen available from this year’s draft class, but that can also pose a problem for Vancouver. Many insiders and scouts don’t believe Luke will fall as low as ninth overall, and could very well join Jack in New Jersey if the Devils decide to use their selection on him at fourth overall.

Although the odds aren’t in Vancouver’s favour for a Hughes reunion on the blueline next season, Benning and co. shouldn’t hesitate at all if Luke ends up being available when it’s Vancouver’s turn to take to the draft podium on Friday night.

Which defenceman would you select at ninth overall, Canucks fans? Make sure to let us know in the comments!