It sounds like Hughes will make a dramatic return to try to save Vancouver Canucks season
Tonight’s Vancouver Canucks game will have a huge impact on their playoff chances.
They’re facing off against the divisional rival Calgary Flames, and the two teams are separated by just a single point in the standings. Both clubs are in a dogfight for the last available Wild Card spot in the Western Conference, and getting a win tonight would be huge in securing an advantage in the race.
The Canucks are reeling after two consecutive losses, but they got some good news that provides some hope for tonight going forward.
At the end of last night’s press conference, head coach Rick Tocchet confirmed captain Quinn Hughes was flying with the team to Calgary, and it sounds like he will play.
“A good possibility he could be in,” said Tocchet to reporters.
Hughes is the Canucks best player and one of the top talents across the entire NHL. If he does suit up tonight, it’ll be his first game since March 1. His presence has been dearly missed in the lineup.
He has 14 goals and 60 points in 50 games so far this season. That’s 21 more points than anyone else on the Canucks despite having missed 14 games.
The 25-year-old has been dealing with an undisclosed injury related to a reported oblique issue. He practiced in a non-contact jersey yesterday and looked sharp, although the Canucks didn’t go through any battle drills.
Hughes skated this morning in Calgary for about 30 minutes per TSN’s Farhan Lalji and Salim Valji. He looked like he was preparing to play tonight.
Skated for 25-30 min per @salimvalji. Moved with pace, plenty of twisting, shooting & practicing breakouts. Looked like someone preparing to play tonight. #Canucks. https://t.co/RZpRfvrd1a
— Farhan Lalji (@FarhanLaljiTSN) March 12, 2025
It’s unlikely Hughes is at 100%. Tocchet said earlier this month he doubts Hughes will get back to 100% this season. Still, even if he’s at 80%, he’ll be a welcome addition to a Canucks team that badly needs more puck-moving and creativity throughout the lineup.
The Canucks have been struggling to score goals recently. They haven’t put up four in a game since late January. Hughes’ return should help in that area, as he’s the team’s leading point scorer and one of the best offensive drivers in the entire league.
The Flames will likely start superstar rookie Dustin Wolf in net. He’s been one of the best goalies in the entire league this year, and with the Canucks scoring issues, that could pose a problem. The likely addition of Hughes gives the Canucks a better chance at pulling out a crucial victory.