Quinn Hughes Breaks Silence On the True Reason He Didn't Participate at the 4 Nations Face-Off
Photo credit: Bob Frid - Imagn Images.
Vancouver Canucks' Quinn Hughes opened up recently about the frustrating decision that was made that forced him to miss out on playing in the 4 Nations Face-Off.
Six months ago, the hockey world was given an incredible showing at the 4 Nations Face-Off by Canada, Finland, Sweden and the United States, which served as an appetizer for next year's Winter Olympics.
The Vancouver Canucks were represented by just one player at the 4 Nations Face-Off in February and that was Elias Pettersson who suited for Tre Kronor after Quinn Hughes was forced to withdraw from the United States' roster due to an injury.
Hughes suffered an injury during the Canucks' game in Dallas on January 31st, which was already a busy day for the club after completing two big trades with the New York Rangers and Pittsburgh Penguins and this week, Vancouver's captain opened up about what really happened regarding that decision to not play for the United States.
Vancouver Canucks' Quinn Hughes opens up on frustrating decision not to play at 4 Nations Face-Off
The injury Hughes sustained against the Dallas Stars was the initial reason for his absence from the United States' roster at the 4 Nations Face-Off, but after losing Charlie McAvoy, his country wanted him to make the trip to Boston and play in the Championship Game against Canada.
Team USA Head Coach Mike Sullivan even went as far as to tell reporters that Quinn Hughes was coming to play for them in the Final, but according to the Canucks captain, after speaking with his club, including Jim Rutherford who said he might not be able to play at the the intensity required for a game like that, he decided not to go.
Hughes said that he wasn't blocked by Rutherford or GM Patrik Allvin from playing for the United States, but given that he wasn't at 100 percent health, it was best for him to stay in Vancouver and rest up for the stretch run, with the Canucks in the second wild card spot in the Western Conference when play resumed after the tournament.
"Charlie [McAvoy] got hurt so [the Team USA staff] were like 'hey, do you wanna come play?' I'm like, of course I'll play, but I haven't been on the ice for like 20 days. And [Jim Rutherford] was like 'I don't think you're gonna be able to play in that intensity.'" Hughes said during an appearance on the 32 Thoughts Podcast.
He went on to add, I mean, I don't think they did want me to play, just because they wanted me to be fresh, and they knew I wasn't 100%. So, I mean, I can't really blame them for that.
No, no, they didn't block me. That's the truth. Jim and Patrik [Allvin] were very respectful."
He went on to add, I mean, I don't think they did want me to play, just because they wanted me to be fresh, and they knew I wasn't 100%. So, I mean, I can't really blame them for that.
No, no, they didn't block me. That's the truth. Jim and Patrik [Allvin] were very respectful."
It's unfortunate that Hughes wasn't healthy enough to suit up for his nation for the first time in almost six years, but in six months from now, he'll finally be able to after being named to the US' Olympic roster back in June.
Canucks fans will get their first chance to watch Quinn Hughes wear the Stars & Stripes on February 12th against Teddy Blueger and Latvia.
| POLL | ||
SEPTEMBRE 12 | 870 ANSWERS Quinn Hughes Breaks Silence On the True Reason He Didn't Participate at the 4 Nations Face-Off Do you think Quinn Hughes will bring a medal back to Vancouver (either gold, silver or bronze) after the 2026 Winter Olympics? | ||
| Yes | 750 | 86.2 % |
| No, they'll lose out in the quarterfinals | 120 | 13.8 % |
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