"The Plan Is That I Get Better Every Single Year": Quinn Hughes Discusses How He Is Taking His Game To The Next Level
With 62 points in 49 games, Quinn Hughes is on pace to surpass the 100-point make this season.
Photo by Bob Frid-USA TODAY Sports - "The Plan Is That I Get Better Every Single Year": Quinn Hughes Discusses How He Is Taking His Game To The Next LevelQuinn Hughes is on pace to have the best season by a defenceman in franchise history. With 50 assists on the year, he is on pace to break Henrik Sedin's single-season record of 83 set in 2009-10. He is also the betting favourite to win the Norris Trophy, as he could become the seventh defenceman in NHL history to hit 100 points in a season.
Before the season started, the Canucks named Hughes the 15th captain in franchise history. Based on his overall play this year, this added responsibility seems to have helped take his game to the next level. While wearing the "C" is a special honour, he is more focused on leading the team to a successful regular season and playoffs.
"Sometimes I feel like I should look back and, you know, appreciate it more, but I think we're just so hungry," said Hughes. "We want not to be satisfied and continue to put our foot on the gas here. I'm sure at some point when the years over, I can go home, look back reflect but as of right now, just continuing up the mountain."
One way that Hughes works on his game is by watching others dominate around the league. This includes Cale Makar, who is also on pace to hit 100 points this season. As he explains, watching these leagues best allows him to evolve his game and become a better player overall.
"He's (Makar) a great player and is fun to watch. That's a guy you can continue to learn from and enjoy watching. The same thing goes with (Adam) Fox and my brothers. I enjoy watching Luke and Jack as well as (Miro) Heiskanen and whatnot. So I think to be a really good player, you've got to continue to watch and learn and evolve. The plan is that I get better every single year, and the only way to do it is to continue to watch."
The battle for this year's Norris Trophy will likely come down to Hughes versus Makar. Both are having historic seasons and are the main reasons behind their team's early success. As head coach Rick Tocchet, these individual battles are important as they push players like Hughes to be the best that they can be.
"Yeah, it's a great battle," said Tocchet, "but it's also a team battle. Huggy's with us, and it's team goals. It also intensifies the individual with them too. Makar is just incredible. There are a lot of incredible defensemen, and I think Huggy thrives on that. Trying to be one of the best, I think that really pushes him. I think that any great player wants to be pushed."
Tocchet has now had the opportunity to coach Hughes for the last year. While many areas of his game stand out, one in particular is his desire to prove the doubters wrong. As Tocchet explains, he has done a great job so far, showing that he is more than just an offensive defenceman, as he is often used on both the penalty kill and late in games when the Canucks are protecting a lead.
"He's a pleasure to coach. I call him a hockey nerd. He loves information, he loves coming to the rink, he likes to try new things, and he hates losing. So when you put all that together with him, you're getting a guy that's got, I hate to say the word, chip on his shoulder, but he does. People questioned his defending over the years, and that pisses him off and I love that about him. A lot of times, he's out there in the last minute of the game defending because he can defend it."
While there are still over 30 games to go, it is safe to say that Hughes' 2023-24 campaign will be considered one of the greatest in franchise history. He is 14 points away from breaking his record for points by a defenceman in a season and is on pace to finish the year ranked eighth all-time in assists in franchise history. A leader on and off the ice, Canucks fans should be excited for what he has in store post-all-star break.
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