Quinn Hughes had most on-brand message for brother Jack after Vancouver Canucks captain's injury news
Vancouver Canucks captain Quinn Hughes is recognized across the league for his leadership skills, but that doesn’t mean he’s a huge talker.
The reigning Norris Trophy champion is known more for his exemplary work ethic rather than rousing speeches. His quiet nature was on full display in a story told today by his brother Jack.
Hughes pulled out of the upcoming 4 Nations Face-Off at the last minute due to injury. The decision was reportedly extremely difficult for the ultra-competitive superstar, who will miss the return of best-on-best hockey.
By all reports, it was an excruciating decision for Quinn, but you wouldn’t be able to tell from the message he shared with his brother, who is also on the team.
“Just like, ‘damn, sorry, man.’ That was about it. There’s not much of a message,” revealed Jack today.
“He was just like, ‘I’m sorry, I was so pumped.’ But I’m like, ‘We’re both going to play a long time. At some point, we’ll play [together].’ Hopefully, at the Olympics, we’ll get it done.”
Quinn missed the four NHL games leading up to the 4 Nations break with a reported oblique injury and has been playing with a brace on his hand. He hoped to tough it out for this event but couldn’t.
“Something he was fighting over for a week now since he got injured. He wants to be a part of this and he was really excited to come with this group and put the USA jersey back on. It’s frustrating, but if you’re injured, you’re injured.”
The two brothers have now missed out on several chances to play together. Quinn is missing this event due to an injury, and Jack missed last year’s All-Star Game due to an injury.
“[Playing with Quinn] was definitely something I was really looking forward to, but it’s hockey at the end of the day. People get injured all the time. I was looking forward to spending time with him, but it’s all good. Hopefully he heals up and is ready to go for a big second half with Vancouver.”
Quinn’s absence is a huge blow for Team USA. He’s first among all defencemen with 1.26 points per game this year and has been the Canucks’ best player. He was replaced by Jake Sanderson, a good player but not close to the MVP level at which Quinn has been playing.
“A player like him, of his calibre, the leader he is, it’s a huge loss,” said defenceman Brock Faber. “But having Sanderson fill that role, definitely well deserved for sure.”
The good news for the Canucks is that Quinn will now get a few weeks off to heal. Recent reports suggest he should be close to 100% when the team returns to action on February 22.
The USA will open their tournament on Thursday with a game against Finland. After that, all eyes will turn to the contest between Canada and the USA on Saturday night in Montreal.