No sophomore jinx for Hughes
Calder runner-up Hughes says it feels like his third year in NHL with Canucks
In an abnormal year, you're not getting normal responses.
Calder Trophy runner-up Quinn Hughes should be entering his second NHL season. With that, the Vancouver Canucks' puck-moving wizard would normally be bombarded with sophomore slump queries — although it's difficult to imagine his electric game taking a step backward.
Then again, Hughes believes he has already advanced the career curve.
“Honestly, I know it's my second year, but it feels like my third season because, technically, we had three camps,” he said of starting main sessions last season in Victoria, gathering here in July following a four-month COVID-19 pandemic pause and then the current camp at Rogers Arena.
“I'm just trying to get better at everything and my skills have increased. I got stronger and that was a big thing. I took six or seven weeks off the ice to get my body right and use that time to get better at things that I usually don't have time to do. I feel stronger, older and more mature.
“But it was a strange year for everyone. I felt like I got a full rookie year and then the bubble was strange. And now, you go outside, you can't really do much — you just go straight home. On the ice, you're never really thinking about COVID, it's just hockey and you forget for a bit what's going on.
“Things are obviously different and we're doing the best to stay safe.”
What Hughes has always thought about is improving a game that features sublime edge work, pinpoint passing and an underrated shot.
He quickly advanced from camp curiosity to Calder Trophy candidate and all-star game participant. And then the 21-year-old had to adjust after being hounded and harassed in the post-season, so that third-season summation makes sense.
“He can get a little bit stronger and better,” said Canucks coach Travis Green. “With all young players, a lot comes from the natural progression of being in the league and understanding systems and working on getting a shot through a screen. I think he's going to get better for a while here, which is exciting.”
And that says a lot.
Last season, Hughes became the third defenceman in the NHL's modern era (since 1943-44) to top all rookies in scoring, joining Brian Leetch (1988-89) and Bobby Orr (1966-67). And his 53 points (8-45) were the most by any first-year blue-liner since 1991-92, when Nicklas Lidstrom compiled 60 points (11-49) in 80 appearances.
Hughes also led all rookies in assists (45), power play assists (22) and power play points (25), while ranking among the top five in average time on ice (second, 21:53), total time on ice (second, 1,488:09) and shots on goal (fifth, 126).
For some perspective, Elias Pettersson started getting closer scrutiny in his second season after capturing the Calder Trophy.
“For me, they knew who I was and I was getting more attention and Quinn was already getting that last season — especially in the playoffs,” said the slick Swedish centre.
“He's a smart player and learns fast and quick.”
Not that it has been an easy transition.
Hughes was targeted in his own zone by the Vegas Golden Knights in the Canucks' second-round post-season series. The playoff newbie was pressured at the point and his ability to seek the best passing and shooting options was nullified by quick coverage and sticks in the lanes.
Hughes was visibly upset at the bench and got a reassuring pat on the back from Green and encouragement from Brandon Sutter. For a guy who had 10 points (1-9) in his first 10 post-season games — just the fourth rookie defenceman to hit that mark in 10 or fewer outings — being limited to no shots, two attempts and a minus-3 rating in a 5-0 loss meant sucking it up and adjusting.
“The one good thing about good young players is they adjust to different situations,” said Green. “He's about as poised of a player as you're going to find. For a young guy he doesn't have a high panic level. He doesn't get overly upset if he makes a mistake.
“And he doesn't get overly excited if he does something spectacular.”
As expected, Hughes played better in the seven-game slog with the Golden Knights. It went from one-sided to a spirited Canucks rally from a 3-1 deficit before Las Vegas prevailed in seven games. Hughes had a goal and an assist in a 4-0 win in Game 6.
“When you re-watch video on slo-mo, you still see that he (Hughes) is able to make plays through and in traffic and skate himself out of trouble so often,” said Golden Knights coach Peter DeBoer. “He's a special player who has the ability, even with pressure and attention, to make plays.”
So, what does this all mean when the regular season starts Jan. 13 in Edmonton?
Hughes has lost the comfort factor of being paired with Chris Tanev, who opted for Calgary in free agency. Hughes is skating with Jalen Chatfield at camp and could wind up playing with Nate Schmidt.
“With some of the things that Chris did, I'm just going to have to take a bigger role and that goes for everyone,” said Hughes.
Hughes doesn't have to look far for inspiration. He was able to train with his younger brother Jack, who struggled through a 21-point rookie season (7-14) with the New Jersey Devils. The first-overall pick in the 2019 draft has added 14 pounds of muscle to his tall but slight frame and has vowed to have “a breakout season.” That doesn't surprise Quinn. “It was awesome to train with him,” said the Canucks' power play quarterback. “He's obviously an unreal player and has helped my game and I always like to say I pushed him. We had a good off-season, really pushed each other and made it fun. It was good to be at home and we're both excited for this year.”
However, they won't play each other this season as the Canucks compete in an all-Canadian division.
“I probably won't miss him — I'm 0-3 against him — and we'll just let that one slide,” said Quinn.