NHL makes an official announcement on Canucks Captain Quinn Hughes

PUBLICATION

Cooper Godin
May 1, 2024 (8:10)

SHARE THIS STORY

The National Hockey League has made a big announcement on Vancouver Canucks captain Quinn Hughes on Wednesday morning.

In a post on social media, the National Hockey League announced that Canucks captain Quinn Hughes, along with Colorado Avalanche defenceman Cale Makar and Nashville Predators defenceman Roman Josi, are this year's nominees for the James Norris Memorial Trophy. The James Norris Memorial Trophy is handed out annually to the NHL's best defenceman.

This year marks the first time in Quinn Hughes' NHL career that he's been named as one of the three finalists for the James Norris Memorial Trophy.

"Quinn Hughes, Vancouver Canucks

Hughes, in his first season as Vancouver's captain, paced defensemen with 75 assists and 92 points (17-75�92 in 82 GP) � both figures franchise records for a blueliner, ahead of the marks he established in 2022‑23 (7-69�76 in 78 GP) � to guide the Canucks to their first playoff berth since 2019‑20 and first division title since 2012-13. Hughes also ranked among the leading defensemen in power-play assists (1st; 33), power-play points (2nd; 38), plus/minus (4th; +38), goals (t-6th; 17), total time on ice (7th; 2,024:10), shots on goal (9th; 199) and power-play goals (t-9th; 5). He became the eighth-fastest blueliner in NHL history to accumulate 300 career points, doing so in his 331st contest (Jan. 24 vs. STL). Hughes also became the third defenseman in League history � after Paul Coffey and Bobby Orr � to register at least 200 assists over a three-season span, reaching the total April 8 vs. VGK. The 24-year-old Orlando, Fla., native is the first player in Vancouver's 53-year history who has been voted as a finalist for the Norris Trophy and is seeking to become the fourth U.S.-born player to win the award, following Chris Chelios (3x, last 1995-96), Brian Leetch (2x, last 1996-97) and Adam Fox (2020-21)." The NHL said in a post on their website.

Hughes, 24, had the best season of his career during the 2023-24 campaign. In 82 games, he recorded 92 points (17 goals, 75 assists), 38 penalty minutes and was a plus-38. So far in the Stanley Cup Playoffs, Hughes has five assists in five games.

Do you think Quinn Hughes will win the Norris Trophy next month? Let us know what you think in the poll below!