Tocchet gives Hughes injury update and Vancouver Canucks captain might miss 4 Nations
The Vancouver Canucks might not get captain Quinn Hughes back in their lineup before the 4 Nations Face-Off break.
The superstar defenceman didn’t practice with the team today and didn’t skate at all. Head coach Rick Tocchet confirmed Hughes would not travel on their upcoming road trip, which means he won’t play tomorrow night against the San Jose Sharks.
“He’s not going to make the trip. It’s a day-to-day thing right now. He’ll stay back, whether he skates tomorrow, we’ll talk about that later today,” said Tocchet.
The Canucks only have one more game after that before a lengthy break for the 4 Nations Face-Off. That contest is against the Toronto Maple Leafs on Saturday. If the captain isn’t ready to go for that one, it raises serious questions about whether he will play for his country.
“It depends on the next 48 hours. I guess that’s really what it comes down to. We’ll sit down with Quinn and talk to him.”
Hughes was one of the first players picked for Team USA and there’s no doubt he’ll want to play. But if he’s not healthy enough to play for the Canucks just days before, is it the responsible thing to do?
“It depends on how close he is to playing on Saturday; that’s really what it comes down to. We’re going to have a long look at this, like every player you’re concerned about safety and health and all that stuff.”
If it were completely up to Hughes, he’d likely want to play. Tocchet said that Hughes would love to gut it out and suit up for the Canucks right now, but it’s just not responsible at this point in the season.
There are few opportunities to represent your country alongside your brother on the biggest stage. That’ll be harder for Hughes to pass up than a midseason game against the Sharks.
“It’s a tough one because I know Quinn is a USA guy, he loves his country. Playing with his brother, there are a lot of positives to it, but he’s a smart kid, too; he understands what’s at stake,” said Tocchet.
Hughes has a lot of factors to consider. If he sits out, it’ll be a massive blow for Team USA, who enter as pre-tournament favourites. While it’ll hurt their chances for the 4 Nations, it could be a huge boost for the Canucks down the stretch.