Canucks' Immediate Reaction to NHL's Quinn Hughes Announcement

In November, Hughes tied Alex Edler’s franchise record for most career points by a defenseman, achieving the milestone in just 432 games compared to Edler’s 925.

"I was lucky enough to watch Edler break it" Hughes said. "I think it was my first career game when he did. Very honored."

Canucks president Jim Rutherford praised Hughes during his end-of-season media availability. That said, Rutherford raised concerns about Hughes' future in Vancouver, noting the captain’s desire to play alongside his brothers at some point.

“It may not boil down to money with him,” Rutherford said. “He said before, he wants to play with his brothers. That would be partly out of our control—in our control if we brought his brothers here.”

Hughes is signed through the 2026–27 season with a $7.85 million cap hit after he signed his current six-year, $47.1 million contract in October 2021.

The NHL’s official announcement Tuesday recognized Hughes alongside Cale Makar of the Colorado Avalanche and Zach Werenski of the Columbus Blue Jackets.

Makar posted 30 goals and 92 points in 80 games, while Werenski recorded 82 points in 81 games. Hughes, despite missing 14 games due to injury, still ranked third among defensemen in points and second in assists.

Hughes, who won the Norris last season with 92 points over a full 82-game schedule, can become a back-to-back winner in a rare feat among NHL defensemen.