Quinn Hughes will make his long-awaited Canucks debut tonight

It’s finally time.

Quinn Hughes, arguably Vancouver’s most exciting defensive prospect in a very long time, will make his NHL debut against the Los Angeles Kings.

“I’m playing tonight. I’m pretty excited.” – Hughes pic.twitter.com/PioX3obMf0

— Vancouver Canucks (@Canucks) March 28, 2019

The 19-year-old has appeared to make a full recovery from a bruised ankle and has been participating in morning skates with the team since earlier this week.

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On Wednesday, he paired with NHL veteran Luke Schenn, playing on the second power play line.

Schenn, 29, who’s skated in over 700 NHL games, will be looking to provide guidance and help the young blueliner make a smooth transition to the big leagues.

“I think I’m just gonna try to keep it simple tonight,” Hughes told reporters. “If there’s a play to be made I’ll make it”

“I don’t think I need to do anything crazy, I’m just gonna try to play my position.”

Hughes also took part in an optional skate with the team earlier this morning.

Hughes taking part in an optional #Canucks skate. pic.twitter.com/1RashGP3f9

— Vancouver Canucks (@Canucks) March 28, 2019

Tempering expectations

There’s plenty of reason to be excited about the Michigan prospect’s debut, but it’s equally important that fans keep their expectations in check.

At every level of play, Hughes has shown remarkable skating, fantastic puck skills, and excellent vision. He even played 10 games at the World Championships last year.

It’s almost certain that he’ll be able to do the same at the NHL level, but any remaining games he plays for Vancouver this season will be focused on adjustment.

“I’m not gonna put sky-high expectations on this guy,” Head Coach Travis Green said, earlier this month. “Is he going to be a power play guy in the NHL? Yes, he is.”

“I don’t need him to have expectations where he has to come in and run the power play and be this guy that’s going to turn it around overnight. He’s got enough pressure on him as it is.”

Not to mention, with the Canucks currently sitting at 13th in the Western Conference, their season is almost all but over.

The 19-year-old will have plenty of time to continue developing over the summer, meaning more time to improve his shot and add strength to his 5-foot-10 frame.

In other words, enjoy the long-awaited look at Vancouver’s prized defensive prospect, but remember that the best is yet to come.