NHL
The Vancouver Canucks drafted defenceman Quinn Hughes with the 7th overall pick in the 2018 NHL Entry Draft. As with other highly drafted prospects, the question now is where will he play next season. Quinn Hughes himself believes he is ready for the NHL next season. Michigan head coach, Mel Pearson believes the 7th overall pick should play another year at college. Others say he should play a year in Utica with the Comets.
As of right now, Quinn Hughes hasn’t been signed. He is currently taking some time to decide where he will be next season. All three options will benefit Hughes wherever he plays. Hughes will likely play at the World Juniors which are going to be held in Vancouver and Victoria. The 18-year-old is a highly skilled offensive defenceman and is an excellent skater. He also has great playmaking skills with excellent vision. It will be intriguing to see where he will play next season.
Vancouver
I would like to see Quinn Hughes be on the Canucks opening night line-up. I’ve seen him play at the Canucks open practice and his skating sure does look NHL ready. Hughes would help provide some offensive flair to the blue line and help on the power play. With Elias Pettersson also looking to start his NHL Career, Hughes would look great on a unit with Pettersson, Brock Boeser, and Bo Horvat. Hughes could be paired up with a guy like Chris Tanev. The Canucks don’t get much offense from defencemen but Hughes should be able to provide that. However, if Hughes would be on the opening night roster, it would mean someone like Ben Hutton or Derrick Pouliot would have to come out. Playing in the NHL next season would provide valuable experience for Hughes.
Utica
If Hughes doesn’t make the opening night roster, he could start next season off in Utica. Some extra development wouldn’t hurt. Also, if he plays well in Utica the Canucks could call him up. Since the Canucks will likely have injury problems, Hughes could be called up as well. He could play with guys like Jonathan Dahlen, Nikolay Goldobin, Gulliame Breisbois and Jalen Chatfield. Above all, Hughes could help the Comets go for another crack at the Calder Cup.
Michigan
Of course, Quinn Hughes has the option to go back to Michigan next season. He could play along with his peers and close friends while he could help Michigan to a Frozen Four Championship. His coach, Mel Pearson believes his game would benefit from another year at college. Pearson also said he wanted to make sure he could handle the 82 game grind of the NHL. Furthermore, Playing another year at college would also help him bulk him a little from his 5 foot 10, 174 pounds.
Wherever, Hughes goes next season, GM Jim Benning says he will support it. However, I personally would like to see Hughes on the opening night roster.
