The Vancouver Canucks are leading the Pacific Division with 64 points, and it’s thanks in large part to rookie defenceman Quinn Hughes, who’s on his way to earning a Calder Trophy nomination.
Hughes has been the focal point of a rebuilt Vancouver blue line that has quickly developed as one of the NHL’s best. The 20-year-old comfortably leads all Canuck defencemen with eight goals and 38 points, and he’s played a major role on a power play that ranks seventh in the NHL at 23.5 percent.
Entering the All-Star break, Hughes was behind Colorado Avalanche defenceman Cale Makar in the scoring race.