Insider Breaks Down Why Canucks Are in Trouble Without Hughes

The Vancouver Canucks are facing a tough stretch. Reigning Norris Trophy winner Quinn Hughes was announced week-to-week with an upper-body injury. With the team clinging to the final playoff spot in the Western Conference, TSN Hockey analyst Bruce Boudreau shared his insights into why Hughes’ absence could be devastating. Boudreau emphasized how crucial Hughes is to the Canucks’ success. He likened Hughes’ value to superstars like Connor McDavid and Nathan MacKinnon for their respective teams.

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Hughes Is Irreplaceable in Every Situation

Here’s a closer look at what Boudreau had to say. Why does he believe the Canucks might find it hard to stay afloat without their star defenseman.

According to Boudreau, Quinn Hughes isn’t just a great player—he’s the Canucks’ backbone. “He plays in every situation,” Boudreau said, highlighting Hughes’ versatility. Whether it’s on the power play, penalty kill, or five-on-five, Hughes excels in roles requiring creativity and reliability.

One of the standout traits Boudreau mentioned is Hughes’ ability to generate offense through his exceptional outlet passing. “He’s probably, in my estimation, the best passer in the NHL right now,” Boudreau noted. Vancouver can’t move the puck effectively without Hughes orchestrating the breakout and setting up forwards for scoring opportunities.

The Schedule Won’t Do the Canucks Any Favors

Boudreau pointed out that the timing of Hughes’ absence couldn’t be worse. Vancouver’s next 10 games present a daunting challenge. While the first four games may seem winnable, the following six are against tough opponents. That fact makes the Canucks’ playoff hopes more precarious.

“Without Quinn Hughes, it’s going to be a grind,” Boudreau stated. He noted that the Canucks’ remaining defensemen lack the dynamic skillset that Hughes brings. That forces the team to play a more straightforward and less effective style. Dump-and-chase hockey and glass-and-out clears are a far cry from the structured puck movement Hughes provides.

Hughes Is a One-of-a-Kind Talent

Boudreau didn’t hold back in praising Hughes. He even compared the experience of coaching him to watching Connor McDavid or Nathan MacKinnon. “Sometimes you just watch him because he’s so difficult to check,” Boudreau said. Boudreau is a fan. He marveled at Hughes’ edgework, agility, and ability to evade forecheckers.

Without Hughes, the Canucks will be forced to rely on a blue line filled with grinders rather than game-changers. “It’s a big difference,” Boudreau said. He added that opponents will take advantage of the team’s lack of mobility on the back end.

Can the Canucks Survive Without Hughes?

Losing a player like Quinn Hughes is never easy, and for a team like the Canucks, it’s downright catastrophic. Boudreau’s analysis paints a grim picture for Vancouver’s immediate future, especially if Hughes is out for more than two weeks.

While the team has shown resilience in spurts, the absence of their most dynamic player leaves a glaring hole in their lineup. Hughes’ ability to dictate the pace of play, create scoring chances, and stabilize the defense cannot be replicated.

If the Canucks hope to survive this stretch, they’ll need strong performances from depth players and goaltending that can steal games. But as Boudreau suggests, without Hughes, the Canucks are fighting an uphill battle. In his mind, it’s a battle that could cost them their playoff spot if they’re not careful.

Related: Tocchet and Canucks Under Fire for Management of Hughes’ Injury