It’s been way too long since we’ve seen Quinn Hughes command the ice for the Canucks, and fans are itching for his return. During the 4 Nations Face-Off, Vancouver’s golden boy had to sit out due to a mystery injury, leaving Team USA to call in Jake Sanderson as his replacement. The reigning Norris Trophy winner seemed to take a hit towards the end of the Canucks’ tough 5-3 loss against the Dallas Stars on January 31, and ever since? He’s been MIA.
Four straight games without their captain, and fans have been left wondering—what’s the deal? But now, just as the Canucks prepare to battle it out with the LA Kings, a new update on Hughes has sent a shockwave of hope through the NHL fandom. Could the wait finally be over? The whispers of his return have fans hanging on the edge of their seats, because let’s be real—without him, something just feels off.
Before the puck even dropped, Thomas Drance, senior writer for The Athletic NHL, had Canucks fans on edge with an update on X. Dropping the latest tea straight from Tocchet, he posted, “Quinn Hughes is a game-time decision, according to Tocchet. Rick Tocchet wouldn’t confirm that the #Canucks captain and star will return to the lineup Wednesday in L.A., noted that he’s on the ice currently and the club will check in afterwards. Lankinen starts.”
So, basically—Hughes was out there skating, but no promises just yet. It’s the kind of last-minute suspense that keeps fans glued to their screens, fingers crossed, and hearts racing.
Quinn Hughes is a game-time decision, according to Tocchet.
Rick Tocchet wouldn’t confirm that the #Canucks captain and star will return to the lineup Wednesday in L.A., noted that he’s on the ice currently and the club will check in afterwards.
Lankinen starts.
— Thomas Drance (@ThomasDrance) February 26, 2025
One fan really hit the nail on the head with a hilarious yet totally valid plea, posting, “Let my wife return home please I need him back.” And honestly? They’re not wrong. The Canucks desperately need their captain back in action. Vancouver has already hit the ice six times this month, and as they gear up for their seventh battle against the LA Kings on February 26, their record is looking pretty meh—three wins, three losses. A true 50-50 split. But the real kicker? Their last two games have been a gut punch. First, Dylan Guenther sniped a tiebreaker with 5:53 left on the clock, sealing a 2-1 loss for the Canucks against the Utah Hockey Club at Delta Center. And before that?
Brandon Saad wasted no time in the third period, netting the go-ahead goal just 18 seconds in, handing the Canucks a 3-1 defeat against the Vegas Golden Knights at T-Mobile Arena. So yeah, Vancouver needs Quinn Hughes back like yesterday as Canucks are this close to a hat trick of heartbreaks and with Hughes in the mix, they’ve got a stronger shot at turning things around.
This story is developing…
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