Do the Vancouver Canucks have a better roster than last season, and is that enough for the NHL playoffs? Ryan Kennedy and Mike Stephens discuss. Quinn Hughes [https://thehockeynews.com/.image/c_fit,h_600,w_600/MjAwNzI1NjI2NDg1NzQ0ODQ0/usatsi_19645087_168400847_lowres.jpg] Quinn Hughes The Vancouver Canucks have a new captain, as the team announced that defenseman Quinn Hughes will officially be the 15th player in franchise history to don the 'C.' “There are a lot of ways to lead, and Quinn does it by example and by always giving his teammates, coaches, and organization the utmost respect," said Canucks coach Rick Tocchet in a statement following the announcement. "When he does address the locker room, it is very powerful, and his growth and maturation in just the short time I have been here is very impressive. Quinn isn’t afraid to get uncomfortable and voice his thoughts during both good and bad times, which says a lot about his character and desire to win.” Hughes becomes the first Canucks defenseman to hold the captaincy since Kevin McCarthy did so from 1978 until 1982. Since being selected with the seventh overall pick back in 2018, Hughes has become one of the most productive blueliners in the NHL in his five big-league seasons. He's racked up a total of 26 goals and 215 assists for 241 points in 283 games for the Canucks while logging a whopping 23:57 in nightly ice time. The 23-year-old has finished in the top 15 in voting for the Norris Trophy on three occasions, with his highest placement coming this past season when he finished ninth. The Orlando, Fla., native had 69 assists and 76 points in 78 games last season while averaging 25:39 of ice time per match. "It means a great deal to me to be named captain of the Canucks,” said Hughes in a statement on Monday. "When I came here five years ago, I knew what I was walking in to having grown up in Toronto; just a crazy hockey market and a passionate fan base. It has been a pleasure and treat to play for this franchise and to be the captain is something that is incredibly special and something that I couldn’t ever imagine would happen.” Hughes had previously served as an alternate captain for the Canucks in 2022-23.
