A new era begins for the Vancouver Canucks.
While it did come down to two potential players, Elias Pettersson and Quinn Hughes, the Canucks made a significant announcement on Monday announcing their new captain.
Star defenseman Quinn Hughes has been named the 15th captain in franchise history, ushering in a new era for the team.
Hughes, a standout player who has been a cornerstone of the Canucks’ defense since his arrival in 2018, expressed his immense gratitude for the honor.
“It means a great deal to me to be named captain of the Canucks,” Hughes said in a media release.
“When I came here five years ago, I knew what I was walking into, having grown up in Toronto; just a crazy hockey market and a passionate fan base. It has been a pleasure and a 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.”
The 21-year-old defenseman, drafted seventh overall in 2018, has quickly become a fan favorite and a vital part of the Canucks’ future.
In his five seasons with the team, Hughes has notched 26 goals and 215 assists in 283 games. His exceptional skills on the ice have earned him multiple nominations for the Norris Trophy as the NHL’s top defenseman, including this past season.
He also finished as the runner-up for the Calder Trophy in 2019-20.
The decision to name Hughes captain comes after the Canucks played without an official leader for a portion of last season, following the trade of Bo Horvat to the New York Islanders.
Horvat, who had worn the captain’s “C” since the 2018-19 season, left big shoes to fill, but it seems the Canucks’ management and players are confident in Hughes’s ability to step into this prominent role.
Canucks general manager Patrik Allvin expressed his confidence in Hughes, saying, “We informed our core leadership group that Quinn was going to be the captain. Not only was everybody enthusiastic and supportive of the decision, but they were also extremely happy for Quinn. He is very well-liked and respected inside our dressing room, and we know he will continue to grow and develop his leadership skills in the years to come.”
