Report: Canucks Quinn Hughes Not Medically Cleared To Join Team USA At The 4 Nations Face-Off
Jan 25, 2025; Vancouver, British Columbia, CAN; Vancouver Canucks defenseman Quinn Hughes (43) during a stop in play against the Washington Capitals in the first period at Rogers Arena. Mandatory Credit: Bob Frid-Imagn ImagesThe ever-evolving Quinn Hughes injury story has taken another turn as the Vancouver Canucks captain will not be joining Team USA at the 4 Nations Face-Off. According to a report by TSN's Pierre LeBrun, Hughes has not been medically cleared by the Canucks medical staff ahead of Thursday's final between Canada and the USA. This report comes just a day after US head coach Mike Sullivan said that Hughes was coming to Boston.
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Despite being named to the initial roster, Hughes was forced to pull out of the 4 Nations Face-Off before it started due to injury. Leading up to the event, Hughes had missed four straight games and was dealing with a reported oblique injury. The Canucks captain also said on Tuesday that, "I think that was my third time skating in 20 days. So obviously, not gonna feel insane out there, but I thought it was pretty good stuff today."
Even if Hughes had been medically cleared, he would not have been guaranteed to play in Thursday's final. As of Wednesday morning, Team USA had six healthy defensemen, meaning Hughes would be ineligible to join the roster. On top of the physical toll of playing in the game, Hughes would also be adding more long-distance flights to his season, as he would need to fly from Vancouver to Boston and then to Vegas, all in the span of 72 hours.
With Hughes now officially ruled out of the 4 Nations Face-Off, the attention turns to Saturday when Vancouver hits the road against the Vegas Golden Knights. Hughes did practice both Tuesday and Wednesday, but as reported, he still isn't medically cleared to play. With the Canucks battling for a playoff spot, they will need their captain back against a tough Vegas team that currently sits second in the Pacific Division with 72 points.
Vancouver returns from the 4 Nations Face-Off break on Saturday when they start a five-game road trip against the Golden Knights. The upcoming road trip features a pair of back-to-backs, which includes their second visit this season to Utah on Sunday. Puck drop for Saturday's game in Vegas is scheduled for 7:00 pm PT.
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