As captain of the Vancouver Canucks, Quinn Hughes has set his sights excessive for the 2024-25 season. Recognized for his elite puck-moving expertise and unimaginable skating potential, Hughes has turn into one of many NHL’s prime offensive defensemen. Final season, he gained the Norris Memorial Trophy because the NHL’s prime defenseman. Nonetheless, he desires to take his sport to the subsequent stage this season by specializing in goal-scoring. Hughes is on hitting the 20-goal mark, an bold however achievable goal for a defenseman of his calibre.
Within the following video, Hughes weighs in on his targets for the approaching season and his ideas concerning the workforce that may hit the ice.
Hughes Shares His Private Scoring Targets
When requested about his scoring targets, Hughes stated he would “positively proceed engaged on my goal-scoring. I feel I can get to that 20-goal mark, hopefully. I’ve labored a bit of bit on that this offseason, and I feel we must always be capable to see extra of that. I’m assured it’ll come collectively.”
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Past his private targets, Hughes is happy concerning the Canucks’ route as an entire. The workforce has made a number of key offseason strikes and have obtained depth and expertise to bolster their lineup. Hughes is optimistic concerning the new items and the way they will contribute to the Canucks’ success, particularly within the playoffs, the place expertise and depth are essential.
Hughes is especially within the workforce including veteran gamers who can carry out below strain, just like the newly-acquired ahead Jake DeBrusk, previously of the Boston Bruins. He believes these gamers could make a big distinction and assist the workforce gel as they goal to enhance on final season’s efficiency.
About DeBrusk, Hughes famous: “I feel we added a whole lot of depth, and I’m pleased with the items we’ve introduced in. DeBrusk has been a great participant in Boston for a very long time, and we’re fortunate to have him. He is aware of find out how to play within the playoffs, and that’s one thing we will positively profit from. All the fellows we’ve added deliver one thing essential. I feel we’re a greater workforce than we had been final yr.”
Hughes’ Management as Captain
Because the workforce’s captain, Hughes additionally acknowledges the significance of fostering chemistry throughout the group. His management extends past his on-ice efficiency as he builds belief and camaraderie amongst his teammates. Hughes understands that success this season will rely on how effectively the Canucks can come collectively as a unit, particularly with new gamers adjusting to the system.
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When discussing workforce chemistry and management, Hughes famous, “We simply must maintain shifting ahead and proceed to gel as a workforce. I’m happy with the group we now have right here, and I feel we now have the potential to do one thing particular. I’ll maintain engaged on main by instance, each in my sport and the way I assist the fellows round me.”
For Hughes, the last word purpose stays playoff success. He is aware of that for the Canucks to make a deep postseason run, everybody might want to elevate their sport, himself included. With a concentrate on enhancing his ending potential and driving offense from the blue line, Hughes is decided to not solely assist the Canucks attain the playoffs but additionally make an impression as soon as they get there.
Hughes additionally spoke concerning the workforce’s playoff aspirations: “I need to capitalize extra within the playoffs… I feel I’ve discovered so much from our previous playoff experiences, and I do know I can deliver extra when it issues most. That’s one other factor I’m engaged on—ensuring I’m prepared for when the video games actually matter.”
The Backside Line for Hughes and the Canucks
From his remarks, it’s straightforward to see that Hughes is about for a pivotal season with the Canucks. His targets embrace reaching the 20-goal mark and a robust need to guide his workforce to larger heights. As he continues to develop his management expertise and enhance his offensive manufacturing, Canucks followers can look ahead to seeing him take one other step ahead, each as a person participant and because the captain of a workforce with playoff aspirations.