Benning believes Hughes is close to being ready

DALLAS The next big question in Vancouver revolves around Quinn Hughes.

Will he have the opportunity to make the Canucks in the fall?

There’s a joke going around Dallas, and it may be half serious.

“Hughes is already the Canucks’ best defenceman.”

That says as much about the current state of the Canucks’ blue-line as it does about Hughes’ readiness to compete in the NHL.

He said he wants it. But this is going to be a massive, collective decision.

“We talked to him at the combine and he expressed to us he’d like to maybe turn pro,” Vancouver GM Jim Benning said.

“But we’ll sit down with his family this week and talk about what’s best for his development.

“We need to hear from his family and his adviser and what their thoughts are.”

Say this for Benning, he sure is sounding like someone who thinks Hughes is close.

“I just look at that world championship and he was playing against NHL players,” Benning said.

“He didn’t look out of place at all. He’s never going to run guys over but he has a good stick. He understands angles.”

Vancouver head coach Travis Green’s system won’t thrive in the NHL until he has a mobile defence.

Hughes, who is an elite skater, has the potential to change that. But he’s only 18 years old and just 5-10.

There’s an argument to be made he could use another year of seasoning to gain strength before trying the NHL.

“To get a guy who can get back, get the puck and get it out of your own end and to your forwards is paramount for us,” Benning said.