i have quinton behind only matthews, and perhaps makar, depending on who you ask
When I read Quinton, I always think Byfield first. Not used to seeing Hughes first name as anything but Quinn.
As for the 2016-20 super draft, my brief glance at it is as follow (I'm ready to be flamed for it but this is me giving it like 5mins of research):
1) Makar - best defenseman and one of the top player since he entered the league, give him the edge over Matthews due to playoff performance.
2) Matthews - best goalscorer since he entered the league, a great 2 way player to boot. Just haven't brought it in the playoff so far.
3) Q. Hughes - best defenseman since the beginning of the 2023-24 season, totally dominate. Makar is ahead due to being elite for longer, but Quinn is closing the gap.
4) Fox - another excellent defenseman who is awesome both offensively and defensively.
5) J. Hughes - one of the most dynamic offensive player in the league, if he can stay healthy he has the potential to be in the tier just under McDavid.
6) M. Tkachuk - really good scorer that can agitate, great playoff performer as well.
7) Heiskanen - hard to pick between him and Dahlin, but gave slight edge to Miro, he was on another level in that playoff run to the finals.
8) Dahlin - too much put on his shoulder, but still an elite defenseman. Lack of team success isn't his fault.
9) Mcavoy - slipped a little this season, but still one of the better D in the league.
10) Petterson/Stutlze - if healthy I think Petey is better, but if his knee will be a chronic problem, he could slip a lot on this list. Stutlze is elite, going to be a consistent 90+ points 1C as long as Green doesn't mess with him.
Just missed: Faber, Seider, Boldy, Ottenger, Bratt, Robertson. Can easily make an argument for any of these players to be in the list instead.
Swayman had struggled a lot this season, but if he can sustain his prior seasons level as a full time starter, he gets into the conversation as well.
Wildcard: Nikishin, what he is doing in the KHL at his age is pretty special, should be one of the ROY candidates for next season.
Lots of good D, surprisingly more impact D than F.