What Makes Canucks' Quinn Hughes a Strong Hart Trophy Contender?
The Vancouver Canucks have been through a lot this season. See why that has made Quinn Hughes not only a Norris Trophy contender, but also a Hart Trophy contender.
The United States has put on a show so far in the 4-Nations Faceoff. With a decisive wins over Finland and a win against Canada, the U.S. just needs a win on Thursday night in Boston to win the championship.
Many have already considered that this iteration of Team U.S.A. is one of their best collections of talent ever. Let’s not forget it could have been even better if not for injury.
Team U.S.A. is playing this 4-Nations Faceoff without their best defenseman in Quinn Hughes. Although it was an agonizing decision for him, he chose not to play in this tournament so he could be ready for the stretch run to the playoffs for the Vancouver Canucks.
Anyone who has watched the Canucks this season has seen a lot play out. Most of it could be described as coming straight out of a soap opera.
Between the J.T. Miller and Elias Pettersson’s situations, the Canucks have had to endure a lot. It wasn’t sustainable for them to remain teammates. The Canucks acted and sent Miller to the New York Rangers.
Meanwhile, the pressure is back on Pettersson now to regain his normal form. Whether or not he is able to do that will be one of the key storylines for the Canucks for the rest of this season.
Even despite all of that, the one constant on the team has been Hughes. An argument could be made that his performance alone has the Canucks in a wildcard position at the 4-Nations break.
Many already know that Hughes will have a chance to win a second consecutive Norris Trophy as the league’s most outstanding defenseman. That might not be the only major award in play for him this season.
It’s time we start having a serious conversation about Hughes potentially winning the Hart Trophy as the league’s Most Valuable Player. One look at his season puts things in proper perspective.
What the Hart Trophy is Supposed To Be
The NHL defines the Hart Trophy as the player deemed most valuable to his team. It’s not necessarily the best player on the best team. It’s not the one who has the most goals or the most points. It’s supposed to be the player most valuable to their team.
With this definition in mind, Quinn Hughes belongs in every Hart Trophy conversation bar none. What he has been able to do for the Canucks in the midst of all the drama has been nothing short of impressive.
The Canucks’ top-two centers weren’t able to get along. The team suffered through many long nights as a result. Their goaltending has been in flux thanks to Thatcher Demko’s injury. Kevin Lankinen has admirably played well to keep his team in the race.
But when it comes to the MVP of the Canucks, it’s Quinn Hughes and it’s no contest. He’s been the literal glue that has kept the team together.
Here are three specific reasons why Hughes must be considered in any Hart Trophy conversation. His impact to the Canucks cannot be understated.
With & Without Hughes
This first stat is simply mind blowing. Comparing what the Canucks do with Hughes on the ice versus when he’s not on the ice is a good starting point. This is a case of two completely different Canucks’ teams.
