Quinn Hughes Makes NHL History, Joins Exclusive Company With Latest Wild Assist

ST. PAUL, Minn. — Minnesota Wild defenseman Quinn Hughes continues to make history.

With an assist against the St. Louis Blues on Thursday night at Grand Casino Arena, Hughes extended his season-opening assist streak to eight consecutive games, tying Filip Kuba for the second-longest such streak by a defenseman in NHL history.

According to NHL Stats, only three defensemen have recorded an assist in each of their team’s first eight games of a season.

John-Michael Liles holds the NHL record with a nine-game assist streak to begin the 2010-11 season. Kuba previously held second place alone after recording an assist in eight consecutive games to open the 2008-09 campaign.

Now, Hughes has joined that exclusive company.

The 27-year-old defenseman entered Thursday’s contest with two goals and eight assists for 10 points through Minnesota’s first seven games.

Hughes has recorded at least one point in every game this season, establishing himself as one of Minnesota’s most consistent offensive contributors.

He also passed Andrew Brunette (7 GP in 2009-10) for the longest season-opening point streak in Wild history.

His production has been particularly impressive considering the responsibilities he carries on Minnesota’s blue line.

With his latest assist, Hughes now has an opportunity to tie Liles’ NHL record when the Wild play their ninth game of the season.

For a player already regarded as one of the NHL’s premier offensive defensemen, Hughes continues to add his name to the league’s history books.

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