LATEST | Quinn Hughes takes massive shot at the eastern media

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Felip Gosselin
October 22, 2023 (12:28)

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Now, everybody knows that Quinn Hughes is a highly gifted hockey player. The performance he displayed against the Panthers proved it once again.

NO-MERIT CRITICISM FROM THE EASTERN MEDIA

Before he began the season, analysts raised concerns regarding his defensive game and even his ability to lead a capable offence despite being 3rd best scorer among defensemen in 2022-2023. They explicitly mentioned that they didn't know if Hughes'' defensive game had improved at all since he entered the league:

"' Hughes - like other offensively gifted, defensively lacking blueliners - dropped a bit after we spoke to people around the company."He's good," one scout said.". "I don't know how good he
Is. I don't. "We know he carries the offensive load for a mediocre team, which he does well. Ultimately, we slotted him behind veterans like Roman Josi and Erik Karlsson, who, while not without their warts, are simply better at running the show. They're transcendent talents with the
puck. Hughes isn't at that level, and his placement reflects i"'.

ARE THEY BIASED OR NOT EVEN WATCHING?

Quinn Hughes took these comments to heart. His play on the ice shows how he's improved every aspect of his game. Hughes took the mic and directly adressed the concerned analyst:

" I mean, I always hear it.Y'knoww how it is.' He's an offensive defenseman but not good at defending.' And I've been for the last two years...So, for me, the stereotype is there. A lot of guys don't watch the West.."

The 2018 7th overall pick is locked in on his objective to prove his detractors wrong. The defenceman collected an impressive 76 points in 78 games while showing a +15 differential playing one of the teams with the most goals against. Hughes is off to a strong start this year; after five gameshe'ss already up to 5 points and shows a +6 differential.

His overall impact over the last two years has been outstanding, and now that he's been named captain, he seems even more engaged in being a difference-maker.