Expectations for Canucks captain Quinn Hughes set: The bar is high
The '23-'24 campaign for the young Canucks captain was undoubtedly one for the books.
Not only did Hughes smash team records as a defenceman, he didn't just beat his personal best season by scoring 92 points and playing all 82 games � the Orlando native encapsulated it all by winning the Canucks first Norris trophy in franchise history. It's not easy to imagine him doing much better than this next season, but we're here to break it down.
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Let's first look at the season the now second-year captain had last year. Quinn Hughes played in all 82 regular season games last year for the first time in his young career. He was proving that he does and is taking the captaincy very seriously. He was rewarded with a career season and franchise-best in points, assists, even-strength goals and plus-minus in one season by a Canuck. Hughes broke his franchise record of 76 points by a d-man that he set in '22-'23 by exploding the '23-'24 season with 17 goals and 75 assists for 92 points. This marked the third consecutive year of improvement for the eldest Hughes brother. Winning the first Norris trophy in franchise history, Quinn received 172 of the 194 first-place votes � beating out the likes of Colorado's stud, Cale Makar and Nashville's captain, Roman Josi.
As a team, Vancouver was also rewarded by Quinn's play (as well as others) by reaching the Stanely Cup playoffs. The Canucks managed to top the Pacific Division by earning 109 points in the 82 games. The team was one of, if not the best, teams at home last season by keeping the home losses to single digits and having one of the best records at home in the league. This was primarily to do with how well our captain was playing. How could it get better?
Well, it's hard to say it will get "better" than that. However, the roots of success are now sprouting within the organization. There is now an expectation of the Vancouver Canucks to not only make the playoffs but compete for a Stanley Cup. Coach Tocchet's approach seems to be the refreshing change this team needed to succeed. Rick's decision to slap the C on Mr. Hughes was a franchise move that appears to have changed the culture of the Canucks, for the better. We can discuss Rick Tocchet more in another article.
To meet expectations now, it's believed that if the Canucks can make the playoffs and compete, a slight decline in Hughes's stat line is somewhat expected. Even if the Vancouver captain can be a point-per-game blueliner, this will certainly "meet" expectations of Quinn following his Norris trophy-winning season. Relying on skilled forwards like Petterson, Miller and Boeser, Hughes can focus on the longevity of the season and not have to feel the pressure of carrying a team himself to the promised land. His plus/minus also highlighted how well he helped Thatcher Demko reach his career-best with 35 wins in 51 games played.
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Now, the unthinkable�exceeding expectations. By finishing the season just 8 points shy of the century mark, the 24-year-old could possibly have a 100-point season. If he continues to get better in his prime years, having a 100-point season seems to be the next stride in his young, illustrious career.
Technically, on paper, the Canucks got better in the off-season. Jim Rutherford and Patrik Allvin felt the importance of adding more offensive firepower by bringing in Jake DeBrusk, Danton Heinen and others. This could lead to higher-scoring games in Vancouver � making the century mark more attainable for Hughes. Also, adding some back-end pieces, such as Derek Forbort and Vincent Desharnais, will help take some of the load off Quinn, hopefully matching his career high in games played last season. If the Canucks can get into the conference finals and Hughes hits the 100-point mark, expectations will undoubtedly be exceeded of the captain.
There is a realm where, as unlikely as it may seem, Hughes has a declining season. Over the last 5 Norris trophy winners, only one has followed up their trophy campaign with a point-per-game season, the Avalanche's Cale Makar. Every other year, players have declined in points. Call it the Norris trophy hangover or whatever you will; teams now take the Canucks very seriously and will be in watching tape on Hughes to find weaknesses in his game more often.
Looking at where they can control him more and effectively force him to make mistakes. Teams will be making it very hard for Hughes to replicate the season he had last, and it will very likely be more trying for him to do any better than he and the Canucks did last year. If Hughes can stay healthy and contribute in all 82 regular season games, there is no reason to think things would go from good in Vancouver.
In conclusion, I don't expect the Canucks to not, at least, make the playoffs. The additions up front only add excitement for Vancouver fans. The powerplay can get back on track, as DeBrusk was a considerable add this off-season and will be a massive help with his left-hand snipes in the slot on special teams. Alex Edler holds the record for points by a defenceman, all-time, in Vancouver.
At the age of 24, Quinn is just 77 points away from passing the Canucks great. If he does it this year at 25, he will only add to the cementing of his name in the organization. It's certainly a feat attainable for the kid from Orlando, Florida, and I'm sure I can speak for Canucks fans when I say that I would love to see it. This team has a ton of excitement, and Quinn Hughes is a huge reason. For that, what do you think? Reason to believe they will get better? Remain about the same? Or possibly have a decline in production? Either way, let us know.
| POLL | ||
How will Quinn Hughes statistically produce this year? | ||
| >82 points | 26 | 17.1 % |
| 82+ points | 70 | 46.1 % |
| 100+ points | 55 | 36.2 % |
| Too nervous to guess | 1 | 0.7 % |
| List of polls | ||
