Quinn Hughes says Vancouver Canucks are 'at peace' entering the season
The Vancouver Canucks are ready to leave last year’s disaster in the dust.
Players and coaches have mentioned it multiple times throughout training camp and preseason. On Tuesday, Quinn Hughes confirmed that the vibes around the team are different.
“I think that everyone just came with a fresh mentality, positive and happy to be here,” the Canucks captain said after practice.
“I’d say we’re in a different place than we were last year, probably more at peace. “It’s enjoyable to come to the rink right now.”
The Canucks drama last season is well-documented. Despite Hughes doing everything he could to will his team into the playoffs, they ended up missing the postseason by six points.
Hughes did his part with 76 points in 68 games. At the Christmas break, the 25-year-old was on pace for 19 goals and 101 points over a full 82 contests. Injuries then took their toll on Hughes in the second half of the season, leading him to miss 14 games total.
It’s not just Hughes who’s commented on the feel-good vibes surrounding this Canucks team, either.
“You can feel it,” assistant coach Scott Young said after practice on Sunday. “You can feel the energy and the excitement of the players on the ice. It’s palpable.”
Although Young wasn’t behind the Canucks bench last season, he was employed by the organization as director of player personnel. That’s a title he held with the Canucks since 2022, before being named assistant coach during the offseason.
There’s always extra excitement in early October when bubble guys force their way onto the team. That’s taken on extra meaning this season with Braeden Cootes cracking the Canucks roster.
“He’s reliable, he’s got good reads defensively, he plays a mature game offensively, and he’s just going to continue to get better and better,” Hughes said. “He’s a pretty impressive player… I’m excited for him, and he’s definitely earned to be here.”