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Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Hughes – Roman Josi paused for some introspection. The Nashville Predators defender was asked this question at the NHL North American Player Media Tour on September 16 in Las Vegas. His reply?
That would be Quinn Hughes.
Josi has gushed about Hughes, the Vancouver Canucks’ defender, using words like “great” and “wonderful,” praising his skating ability and the fact that he seemingly never loses possession of the puck.
I agree with Josi that “he is one of the top defenseman and a lot of pleasure to watch.”
That’s high praise coming from Josi, who was the runner-up for the Norris Trophy (awarded to the NHL’s top defender) in 2018-19 and the winner this season.
However, here comes the greatest part:
On his 22nd year, Hughes commented, “I’m still 22, turning 23” (his birthday is October 14). I still feel like I have room to improve as a player and believe that I have not yet reached my full potential.
Hughes, the seventh overall choice in the 2018 NHL Draft, finished second in voting for the Calder Trophy as the league’s rookie of the year behind Colorado Avalanche defender Cale Makar with 53 points (eight goals, 45 assists) in 68 games this season.
In 2020-21, he had 41 points (three goals, 38 assists) in 56 games, and in 2019-20, he established a new record for points by a Canucks defenseman with 68 points (eight goals, 60 assists) in 76 contests.
His personal objectives for the next season are quite clear:
Hughes stated his goal of increasing his scoring, shot attempts, and assists. “Yeah. In the future, I want to contribute to the increased success of our team.
I believe it’s a mindset of wanting to rip it and put it through the net. That’s how I see it, anyhow. Whenever I have the option, I choose to pass. We’re also venturing deeper into the ice’s interior.
Hughes used to spend three days a week during the offseason at the USA Hockey Arena in Plymouth, Michigan, skating.
Two of his younger brothers are top prospects for the New Jersey Devils in the next NHL draft: 2019 first overall selection Jack Hughes at center and 2021 fourth overall pick Luke Hughes at defense for the University of Michigan.
Also participating were forwards Matty Beniers of the Seattle Kraken, Kyle Connor of the Winnipeg Jets, center Dylan Larkin of the Detroit Red Wings, defender Zach Werenski of the Columbus Blue Jackets, and forward Trevor Zegras of the Anaheim Ducks.
A challenging skate, as Hughes put it. This is a competitive environment. The men are challenging themselves, and the training is tailored to each individual’s needs.
Considering the Canucks may shift Hughes, a lefty, to the right side of the ice coming season, what particular adjustments may be made to improve his scoring output?
This summer, “I was lucky to observe Quinn a lot,” Werenski said. What he does, he does very well. His skateboarding, evasions, and slashing. Everything he makes is for someone else. I like to take aim with a gun. It was great to learn from him and mirror his creative process this summer, since I don’t usually put as much effort into making things as he does.
The thing we practiced the most was getting into the offensive zone, attacking downhill, using the ice given to us by the forward, and not simply shooting the puck from the blue line or standing about. If it’s D to D, you should attack downhill if it gets up to your [defensive] partner. Don’t take as much if you’re not enjoying it. Make an original effort.
For illustration, Werenski cited Makar.
In 77 games, Makar scored 28 goals and sent out 77 assists for a total of 86 points. He earned the Norris Trophy after leading NHL defenders in goals and was second in points among defenseman behind Josi (96). He scored eight goals and added 21 assists in 20 playoff games for the Stanley Cup champion Avalanche, leading the team to the Conn Smythe Trophy as the playoffs’ most valuable player.
Werenski said, “When you see a player like Cale Makar, you get the sense that he’s making a difference every time he’s on the ice.” That’s not something that happens once or twice each game. If you catch him on the clock, he’s always up to something. As a result, he is driving the action. He is now aggressive. He’s always looking for a fight.
“And I believe that’s something me and Quinn spoke about this summer was making sure we had that every shift,” the speaker recalled.
In other words, Jack Hughes has high hopes for his older sibling.
It’s Jack’s prediction that Quinn will have a more productive season in terms of goal scoring. It’s no secret that he spends a lot of time perfecting his shot. He’s got a decent shot, and I suppose he has his sights set on making use of it. I mean, he’s led the NHL in assists by a defenseman every season he’s been here, but I feel like it’s time for him to realize that he’s also capable of scoring and beating goalies.
“He’s a player who can put up points, and I believe 68 is a franchise record that will be shattered this year, next year, and the year after that. In my opinion, he has a lot of room to improve.
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