Quinn Hughes has missed the last four games while he has dealt with an underlying injury. With the 4 Nations Face-Off happening starting week, the defenseman has had to make a tough decision. As of Sunday, February 9th, it was reported that Hughes has decided to sit this tournament out.

The 25-year-old captain showed clear discomfort on January 31st when the Canucks played the Dallas Stars. He has since missed the remaining four games leading up to the two-week break. The team has disclosed that Hughes is battling an injury to his oblique. The team has gone 3-0-1 with Hughes not in the lineup.

Canucks Captain Continues To Be Dynamic For The Team

Hughes has played in 47 games this season for the Canucks, totaling 59 points with 14 goals. He is tied for second among defensemen in the NHL for points. He is also sitting in fourth for a defenseman with an average ice time of 25:18. He was voted the best defenseman in the NHL, winning the Norris Trophy at the end of last season.

Hughes was named the 15th captain for Vancouver, and he was the first defenseman to wear the C since Doug Lidster. Last season he had a career-high of 92 points leading NHL defenseman, he played in 82 games with 17 goals. In November 2024, facing the Anaheim Ducks, Hughes scored his 30oth assist. He is the fastest player in Canucks history to reach 300 assists and the third fasted defenseman in NHL History.

Quinn Hughes Will Miss 4 Nations Tournament To Recover

Hughes is replaced on the 4 Nations Roster by Jake Sanderson of the Ottawa Senators. Sanderson has a total of five goals, 30 assists in 55 games. This was a difficult decision for Hughes to make. He was one of the six players to be named to the U.S. Roster in June. He will miss the opportunity to play alongside his brother Jack of the New Jersey Devils.

Head coach of the Vancouver Canucks, Rick Tocchet, commented on Hughes’s decision. “Loves his country. Playing with his brother, there’s a lot of positives to that, but he’s a smart kid, too. He understands what’s at stake.” This decision was solely on the captain and not on the franchise.

With missing the last four season games, it makes sense why Hughes would back out of the tournament. He is struggling with an injury that has kept him out of the lineup. If he were to play in the tournament, he could re-injure himself. The defenseman has been a crucial part of the Canucks team. They are fourth in the Pacific Division with 63 points and have a record 28-18-11.

The Canucks are sitting one spot out of a wild card spot. They would need Hughes in the lineup if they were to make the playoffs. As tough as it was for the 25-year-old Captain to decide, it is the best possible outcome.

Vancouver Struggles With Other Ailments

Canucks goaltender Thatcher Demko has made his return back to the lineup after an injury. The goaltender left the game against the Maple Leafs on February 8th after feeling discomfort in the first period. It is reported that the injury is not severe, but this outcome can affect the team moving forward.

End Of My 4 Nations Rant

Vancouver will face the Las Vegas Golden Knights on February 22nd. This will be the first game back after the two-week break. Vegas is second in the Pacific Division with 72 points. If the Canucks were to walk away with the win, they would tie LA for the 3rd Wild Card spot.