First, a pop quiz: Who is the leading scorer among NHL defenseman since the all-star break? Would you believe Quinn Hughes? Not the leading scorer among rookie defenseman, among all of them. The 3 goals, 14 assists and 17 points in the 16 games Hughes has posted since he appeared in the All-Star Game in January is more than Roman Josi. More than John Carlson and Victor Hedman, too.
It’s abundantly clear that Hughes has served notice that the Calder Trophy race that was once thought to be a coronation for Cale Makar has become a two-horse race.