By @MichaelCaples –
DALLAS – After all the speculation, we finally know – Quinn Hughes is a member of the Vancouver Canucks.
The University of Michigan defenseman and USA Hockey’s National Team Development Program was selected seventh overall in tonight’s NHL Draft.
Regarded as an elite offensive defenseman, Hughes certainly knows how to put the puck in the net (or help others do the same). As an under-aged freshman blueliner for the Wolverines under new head coach Mel Pearson, Hughes posted 29 points in 37 games against players substantially older.
His freshman season was so impressive that Hughes landed a spot on Team USA’s roster for the 2018 IIHF Men’s World Championship, helping the American squad to a bronze medal.
“Quintin is a smooth-skating, mobile defenseman who carries the puck very well and can transition from defense to offense with his feet or by making a pass,” said NHL Central Scouting’s David Gregory. “He reads the play very well and uses good positioning and the use of his angles to defend. Projects to be a top-four defenseman in today’s game because his skating and puck skills.”
Hughes’ father, Jim, was the director of player development for the Toronto Maple Leafs; his mom, Ellen, played soccer, lacrosse and hockey at the University of New Hampshire.
Hughes’ younger brother, Jack, is expected to be the No. 1 overall pick in next year’s NHL Draft, and his youngest brother, Luke, has already verbally committed to the University of Michigan as a 2003 birth-year player.
Stay tuned for more from Dallas…