Unfortunate News Strikes Vancouver Canucks Captain Quinn Hughes, Per Rick Tocchet

Quinn Hughes appeared to be banged up during Friday's game against the Dallas Stars and took the warm-up on Sunday night, but was a late scratch, also missing Tuesday's game as well.

As the Vancouver Canucks took to the ice this morning at Rogers Arena for practice, Quinn Hughes was absent once again, with Derek Forbort taking his spot on the top pairing alongside Czech blueliner Filip Hronek.

With Vancouver set to head to San Jose later today ahead of Thursday's matchup with the Sharks, many were wondering if Quinn Hughes would be joining them.

Following Wednesday's practice, Vancouver Canucks head coach Rick Tocchet told reporters that Quinn Hughes will not be traveling with the team to San Jose today and won't be in the lineup against the Sharks on Thursday.

The 25-year-old has missed a total of six games so far this season due to injury, with the Vancouver Canucks going 2-2-2 without their captain.

Quinn Hughes' importance to the Vancouver Canucks can't be stressed enough and without him in the lineup, it's going to be difficult for the team to keep their heads above water in the hunt for a playoff spot, especially if he's out long-term.

However, the play of defensive prospect Elias Pettersson and the new addition of Marcus Pettersson will help hold things down in the interim and we'll have to wait and see how the team fairs without their captain and undoubtedly, their best player.

Hopefully for Quinn Hughes and the Canucks' sake, the injury is just minor and they're playing things safe for now with some important games coming up in the weeks ahead.