NHL: Colorado Avalanche at Vancouver Canucks - Source: Imagn — Quinn Hughes makes his feelings known about team unity in Vancouver Canucks locker room (Image Credit: Imagn)

Quinn Hughes makes his feelings known about team unity in Vancouver Canucks locker room

Modified Dec 21, 2024 21:15 GMT

Quinn Hughes and the Vancouver Canucks have struggled a little bit lately, going 2-3-2 in their last seven games. The team currently finds itself in fourth place in the Pacific Divison, hanging onto the final wildcard spot in the Western Conference. Though they only hold a one-point lead for that spot with the Calgary Flames and Utah Hockey Club hot on their heels.

There has been a lot of noise around the Canucks so far this season. Elias Pettersson's slow start, J.T. Miller's leave of absence, and now the rumors of tension between the two star forwards.

As captain of the team, Quinn Hughes spoke with the media on Saturday afternoon on the state of the locker room and how things have been going for the Canucks:

"You know, there's times where, you know, I get upset with Millsy (J.T Miller), there's times I get upset with Petey (Elias Pettersson), and that doesn't mean that I don't love those guys, and vice versa. And you know, I'm gonna make some bad plays.

"They're gonna make a play where I was, you know, they they saw me here, or saw me there. And over the course of playing together for six years, I think that those things are normal and then happen."

He continued:

"And as far as my leadership, I think just continue to keep everyone on the yellow brick road, and what our ultimate goal is, which is short term, you know, having a good game tonight, and long term, being a successful team, getting into playoffs."

He added more of his thoughts on the situation involving Miller and Pettersson:

"Yeah. I mean, I just think 100% I believe it's workable, and I know it's workable. Everyone saw it last year, very evident. I think that both of them have been going through their own struggles this year. And I believe in both them.

"I think they are great players, great people. And, you know, like I said, there's times where we all get into it, but it is a family here, and we just got to continue to push forward and play the way we want to play."

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Despite drama, Quinn Hughes has been excellent in his second season as Canucks captain

Quinn Hughes has done his best to carry the Vancouver Canucks himself. Pettersson's struggles and Miller's leave of absence have not slowed the superstar defenseman down at all.

Hughes has registered 37 points (seven goals, 30 assists) in 32 games to begin the campaign. This has him on pace for 18 goals and 95 points, both marks that would be career-bests for the 25-year-old. His brilliance has him squarely in the mix to win the Norris Trophy for the second consecutive season.

Quinn Hughes and the Canucks will look to get back on track on Saturday night at home in a matchup with the Ottawa Senators (17-13-2), winners of five straight games. The puck drops at 10 p.m EST.