NHL Network ranks Canucks’ Quinn Hughes second on top 20 best defenceman list

There is little argument against their reasoning. Hughes has emerged as the top defender on the Canucks roster and in franchise history. While this is the second consecutive year he will fall second to Cale Makar, Hughes has been among the top players in the NHL, regardless of position.

While the 2024-25 season was rough for the player and the team in Vancouver, Hughes remained one of the most productive members of the team. Even though he missed several games due to injury, which led to him missing out on the 4 Nations Face-Off in February, the Orlando, Florida native scored 16 goals and 60 assists for 76 points in 68 games, still leading the team in scoring. It was good enough for third among defensive scoring, trailing Makar (92) and Werenski (82).

It was a little bit of a step back for Hughes, who undoubtedly had the best season of his young career in 2023-24. Whilst playing the full 82-game season, the former Michigan Wolverine set career highs in goals (17), assists (75) and points (92). He led all blueliners in points, finishing fourth in the NHL in assists and plus/minus (+38). On top of helping the Canucks get to the second round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs, Hughes became the first player in franchise history to capture the Norris Trophy as the league’s best defender.

Expectations have been high for the 25-year-old ever since he was picked by the Canucks in the first round, seventh overall, of the 2018 NHL Draft. Though there were some growing pains early on in his career, Hughes has evolved into an excellent asset at both ends of the rink. While he has just two more years on his current contract, many around the city hope he sticks around for the foreseeable future.

In 433 career regular-season games, Hughes has potted 59 goals and 350 assists, sitting in a tie for the franchise lead for points by a defenceman with 409. Hughes has added another 26 points in 30 postseason affairs.