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Former Vancouver Canucks Coach Has Strong Words for Quinn Hughes
Photo credit: Bob Frid - USA TODAY Sports
Former Vancouver Canucks coach Sergei Gonchar gave his opinion on captain Quinn Hughes' growth as a player on both sides of the puck during a recent interview.
The Vancouver Canucks are blessed to have a player of Quinn Hughes' caliber on their roster, someone who is capable of being a 75+ point player annually, while also being strong defensively in his own zone.
Hughes' game has grown a lot since entering the NHL at the tail end of the 2018-19 campaign and he's gone on to win the Norris Trophy as the league's best defenseman and even make team history, as he's tied with Alexander Edler for the most points by a Vancouver Canucks defenseman.
As Hughes enters what could end up being his penultimate season as a Vancouver Canucks, with rumors swirling about his future with the club, he has his sights set on guiding his team back to the Stanley Cup Playoffs after missing out last season.
Former Vancouver Canucks coach Sergei Gonchar speaks about Quinn Hughes' growth as a player
In an interview with Daria Tuboltseva of RG.org recently, former Vancouver Canucks development coach Sergei Gonchar discussed Quinn Hughes and his evolution into a complete player for the club.
Gonchar, who was a great blueliner himself at the NHL level, putting up over 800 points in 1,301 games, said that Hughes' talent is phenomenal and during his time as a coach with the Vancouver Canucks, he's grown a lot when it comes to the defensive aspect of the game.
He added that himself and Hughes worked 1-on-1 to refine those defensive skills and that while he is playing a lot better, especially in his zone, there is still some more room for growth.
"Offense is his biggest strength. His skill level is incredible - he creates so many chances, controls the game, drives play. His talent is phenomenal. Defensively, of course, there was room for growth, but over the last two and a half years he's improved a lot. He's playing better now, though there's still space to grow. That's what we focused on - raising his defensive game while keeping his offensive strengths. We worked individually, focusing on details." Gonchar said.
With Hughes manning the blue line for the Canucks, anything is possible, especially with the talent he has and hopefully for the sake of the organization, he's able to drive them towards a deep run in the Stanley Cup Playoffs this coming season.
Source: RG.org/Daria Tuboltseva
Sergei Gonchar Opens up on Coaching Future, Canucks Exit, And NHL Stars
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AOUT 24 | 1726 ANSWERS Former Vancouver Canucks Coach Has Strong Words for Quinn Hughes Do you think Quinn Hughes could hit 90+ points for the second time in the last three seasons? | ||
| Yes | 1581 | 91.6 % |
| No | 145 | 8.4 % |
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