Player Discussion Quinn Hughes, Pt. VII

[bossram]

Can't think of another player more important to his team than Quinn Hughes. He's the Canucks MVP, best player, throws the Canucks on his back game after game.

Somehow even more dominant than last year, should be leading both the Norris and Hart races at this time and it shouldn't be close. Maybe Kaprisov for Hart.

Because there isn't, and it's not even close. He's an elite, elite player and the sole engine of the Canucks.

He should be in the Hart conversation. He should have been last year!

Makar had a ridiculous start offensively but Hughes is closing the gap, while being the better overall better player.

Norris repeat is a real possibility

4 points back with 2 games in hand.

Makar’s two highest scoring teammates have 28 more points than Hughes’ highest scoring teammates.

Hughes has officially caught and surpassed Makar in the Norris race.

But you aren’t hearing a peep about it in the media.

Hughes is going to repeat as Norris winner, he's also going to be a Hart finalist

You can find Hughes still at 5-1 to win the Norris in some markets. Screaming buy.

 

[sandwichbird2023]

It's Bure/Hughes at 1A/1B at this point. Both are at the very top of the league for their respective positions, control the outcome of games single-handedly, and get you out of your seat on just about every shift. I'd argue 2007 Luongo was right there as well.

The next tier down would be Sedins, Naslund, Pettersson, Miller, Boeser etc.

I think Hughes is #1 all by himself now. Bure was great and a fun player to watch, but Hughes dominate both offensively AND defensively, whereas Bure is mostly dominant on one side of the rink. As good as Bure was for Vancouver, I never really thought of him as a legit Hart trophy winner at any point in time, but Hughes imo is definitely one of a small handful of players that can win it this year.

 

[Quinning]

I think Hughes is #1 all by himself now. Bure was great and a fun player to watch, but Hughes dominate both offensively AND defensively, whereas Bure is mostly dominant on one side of the rink. As good as Bure was for Vancouver, I never really thought of him as a legit Hart trophy winner at any point in time, but Hughes imo is definitely one of a small handful of players that can win it this year.

His defensive game has undergone a remarkable transformation. I think back to his sophomore year where he was constantly getting muscled off the puck. He's not even that much bigger now, but he's so much more positionally sound and elusive that it doesn't make a difference. Forwards can't hit what they can't catch, and they can't outmuscle a defender when they no longer have the puck.

 

[geebster]

I think Hughes is #1 all by himself now. Bure was great and a fun player to watch, but Hughes dominate both offensively AND defensively, whereas Bure is mostly dominant on one side of the rink. As good as Bure was for Vancouver, I never really thought of him as a legit Hart trophy winner at any point in time, but Hughes imo is definitely one of a small handful of players that can win it this year.

I still have Bure and Luongo ahead since they were at that level for longer and were in the league while some true monsters were there. Luongo came in third for the Hart during his time here, and probably deserved a Vezina. Bure led the league in goals multiple years.

I'd say Hughes needs one more full season before he overtakes Bure, then for Luongo its hard to say. The impact a goalie that good has is huge and it's hard to compare to a skater so I'd put them in joint first place unless Hughes keeps this up another 2 years or something.

Peak Luongo was one of the greatest goalies ever, peak Bure is one of the greatest scorers ever. If Hughes keeps this up he's one of the greatest players ever, let alone defense, so hoping he does. But he needs more time at this peak in my books.

 

[sandwichbird2023]

I still have Bure and Luongo ahead since they were at that level for longer and were in the league while some true monsters were there. Luongo came in third for the Hart during his time here, and probably deserved a Vezina. Bure led the league in goals multiple years.

I'd say Hughes needs one more full season before he overtakes Bure, then for Luongo its hard to say. The impact a goalie that good has is huge and it's hard to compare to a skater so I'd put them in joint first place unless Hughes keeps this up another 2 years or something.

Peak Luongo was one of the greatest goalies ever, peak Bure is one of the greatest scorers ever. If Hughes keeps this up he's one of the greatest players ever, let alone defense, so hoping he does. But he needs more time at this peak in my books.

I actually thought Hughes had a pretty good 2022-23 as well, all the more so considering he was carrying Luke Schenn as a partner. Not at a Norris level but he was a star by then already. I think he has had 2+ seasons of truly elite play, and trending even better and a legit Hart candidate this season.
Bure's first 3 seasons here are truly elite too, especially if you consider his linemates are mostly solid but unspectacular players. However, after the 94 final, his career was kind of derailed by injuries, and had only 1 statistically good season in 97-98, but he was mostly cherry-picking there and not much of a net positive player.
I didn't consider Bure's time after that as the discussion is limited to strictly to the Canucks franchise. I think at this time I am comfortable claiming Hughes as the clear cut #1 based on the way Hughes is trending. I wouldn't argue if others want to wait until this season is over to move Hughes up above Bure though.

Luongo is harder to rank as he is a goalie, and I always have trouble ranking skates with goalies. Luongo has a very high peak and have been good for longer, so if you put him #1 for now, I also wouldn't argue it. If Hughes continue his dominant season this year and end up as a Norris finalist again and have a decent playoff, I would put him ahead of Luongo by the summer. Its inevitable that Hughes take over as #1 in the franchise though, no matter how you rank the other players. It is just a matter of time.