Specz Posted July 28, 2018 Share Posted July 28, 2018 And here I was wondering who our Calder candidate for the 2019-2020 season was going to be! Looks like it is going to be Boeser > EP > Hughes > ??? Not too long before Vancouver is known as the place to go for new prospects. Reminds me of when Chicago amassed their dynasty team and dominated everyone. I don't even think they had 3 straight years of Calder nominees either, but they sure did get 3 cups in 5 years. =) 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Noble 6 Posted July 28, 2018 Share Posted July 28, 2018 Hughes going back to Michigan was the outcome I wanted and expected for next year. He'll have to face many unique challenges back in the NCAA, but he'll be in a familiar and comfortable environment. The Wolverines aren't going to be the same team they were this past year. Calderone and Dancks will be moving on as they were seniors this past year. Marody also signed a contract with the Oilers at the end of the year so he will be gone as well. Those players finished 1st, 2nd and 4th in team scoring this past year (Hughes finished 3rd), so it is a significant blow to the teams offence. Just for reference, there was a 22 point gap between Marody (1st - 51 points) and Hughes (3rd - 29 points). Those guys were major drivers of offense for the Wolverines this past year. They have Lockwood, Slaker and Norris who they hope can step in and fill those roles, but it will be tough. I'm not sure what they have coming in terms of new recruits, but Jack Hughes would've been a big help in filling those offensive holes. That means that Hughes will have less to work with offensively and the team will likely be weaker overall next year. I don't think they'll fall off a cliff, but I wouldn't expect a deep run either. For Hughes specifically, matching his point totals from this past year will be a challenge. If he can put up numbers similar to his 0.78 PPG from this year, I would consider that a good sign. He'll likely have even more freedom to generate offense in various situations than he did this past year, which could make up for the departure of some of the offensive talent. But more importantly than that, Hughes should get more well rounded minutes this year after being used as mostly an offensive specialist this past year. There are 2 defensemen that will be moving on, so it should give Hughes an opportunity to play more and in different situations. For example, he might get more defensive zone starts this year than he did last year. That change in deployment will allow Hughes to learn how to dominate at both ends of the rink and become that much better as a defenseman. It would help him be more of a Kieth type defenseman who is elite in all situations versus a Subban type defenseman who's elite offensively but then average defensively. For me personally, I'd like to see Hughes get more time on the penalty kill specifically. If he can learn that at the NCAA level, it'll be easier to eventually implement at the NHL level. Giving Hughes a wider variety of minutes in a wider variety of situations will allow him to develop into the best player possible. Thinking outside the NCAA specifically, Hughes will also be a major part of the US WJC team. He already played for them in a limited role last year, so both he and the program will be familiar with each other. Werenski put up 9 points in 7 games and McAvoy put up 6 points in 7 games (and was an alternate captain) after being drafted, so I would expect Hughes to have an impact offensively as well. As an added bonus, he will be playing in Vancouver, which I don't think is something to overlook. Once his NCAA season is over, I would expect him to sign some sort of contract. If the Canucks still have some games, then an NHL deal, but if not then an AHL deal. McAvoy did the former and played big minutes for the Bruins in the Playoffs while Werenski went the second route. Either way, Hughes will get small taste of the professional game at the end of the year. So in conclusion, I'm happy with the decision and I'm looking forward to seeing how the upcoming year plays out. 1 1 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rollieo Del Fuego Posted July 28, 2018 Share Posted July 28, 2018 (edited) 1 hour ago, Quantum said: Don't hate this. 1) Hughes gets to keep developing. Though he has the skills, he needs to add a bit of muscle. Another year of NCAA hockey will let him bulk up. 2) He has a chance to make a run for the Hobey Baker. It'll probably come down to him or his brother winning it this year. 3) He gets to play a year with his brother. He clearly was excited about this at the draft and now it becomes a reality. 4) Now this opens up a spot for Juolevi (the forgotten man) to earn a spot on the team. Hughes will debut in March if he doesn't win it all in the NCAA this year. 5) He's following Zach Wesinewski's development track and that's not a bad thing at all. 6) Gives the Canucks some time to get rid of a defenseman or two from this lineup by March. 7) Short term pain for long term pain... no need to rush him. We've got other exciting prospects to pass the time. Excited to see Hughes rip it up in the NCAA this coming season! All good points...except #3...his brother has already signed up to play in the USHL rather that do a year of college.... ....wow was I ever late to that party.... Edited July 28, 2018 by Rollieo Del Fuego Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
flickyoursedin Posted July 28, 2018 Share Posted July 28, 2018 58 minutes ago, Sean Monahan said: Jack isn’t going to U of M. It’s too bad this Quinn decision took as long as it did. Jack was debating and surely would have picked Michigan if he knew Quinn was coming back. Probably made his decision to return to the USA development team thinking Quinn was for sure going pro. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Noble 6 Posted July 28, 2018 Share Posted July 28, 2018 14 minutes ago, flickyoursedin said: It’s too bad this Quinn decision took as long as it did. Jack was debating and surely would have picked Michigan if he knew Quinn was coming back. Probably made his decision to return to the USA development team thinking Quinn was for sure going pro. They're brothers. I'm sure they communicated. 2 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Watchincanucks Posted July 28, 2018 Share Posted July 28, 2018 (edited) 12 hours ago, alfstonker said: You also seem to think that a team can be packed with prospects and it will do well. Of course it won't, can you name one team where that is true? Sure can and already have. Toronto had Mathews Marner Nylander. New Jesey had Bratt Butcher Hischier. Boston had Heinen Debrusk McAvoy. Colorado had Girardi Jost Kerfoot. All made the playoffs with 3 rookies in the lineup. But I know you think the vets that helped the Canucks finish near the bottom of the league are better. I don’t think having Pettersson Dahlin and Gaudette or even Juolevi is going to be bad for the team. If fact I think we would be better with all four than without. That is just the last 2 years. Also Colorado also had Compher, and Toronto had Brown and Zaitsev too. Edited July 28, 2018 by Watchincanucks 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pickly Posted July 28, 2018 Share Posted July 28, 2018 33 minutes ago, flickyoursedin said: It’s too bad this Quinn decision took as long as it did. Jack was debating and surely would have picked Michigan if he knew Quinn was coming back. Probably made his decision to return to the USA development team thinking Quinn was for sure going pro. Lol it's not like they are related or anything and don't talk about their respective plans 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bissurnette Posted July 28, 2018 Share Posted July 28, 2018 Do we expect Hughes to wear the C for Michigan this year? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
IBatch Posted July 28, 2018 Share Posted July 28, 2018 41 minutes ago, Watchincanucks said: Sure can and already have. Toronto had Mathews Marner Nylander. New Jesey had Bratt Butcher Hischier. Boston had Heinen Debrusk McAvoy. Colorado had Girardi Jost Kerfoot. All made the playoffs with 3 rookies in the lineup. But I know you think the vets that helped the Canucks finish near the bottom of the league are better. I don’t think having Pettersson Dahlin and Gaudette or even Juolevi is going to be bad for the team. If fact I think we would be better with all four than without. That is just the last 2 years. Also Colorado also had Compher, and Toronto had Brown and Zaitsev too. Two yeas ago TO played with seven regular shift rookies and made the playoffs...sure one was Mathews but it shows it can happen. Don't see that happening here though, at least not this year, Greens focus (and Bennings) will be on deciding who to play with who and who to cut bait on, too many regulars not enough spots. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hafizzle Posted July 28, 2018 Share Posted July 28, 2018 So so glad he decided to go back to Michigan. Definitely feel like it was the right decision and absolutely won't hurt him in the long run. Has anyone checked on Alf? He's probably devastated somewhere right now that Hughes won't become the best D man in the NHL this year 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DeNiro Posted July 28, 2018 Share Posted July 28, 2018 22 minutes ago, Vanuckles said: Do we expect Hughes to wear the C for Michigan this year? Probably not. Their current captain Joe Cecconi is coming back next season. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Analyst82 Posted July 28, 2018 Share Posted July 28, 2018 4 hours ago, Nuxfanabroad said: "Love-pieces at the TDL"?! You had me at Hello, then went all lewd & inappropriate! :^) Glad you caught the message I left you in there! Sometimes I hate typing from my phone for that exact reason haha. Appriciate you being a good sport about it! Love = move lol 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TGT68 Posted July 28, 2018 Share Posted July 28, 2018 27 minutes ago, IBatch said: Two yeas ago TO played with seven regular shift rookies and made the playoffs...sure one was Mathews but it shows it can happen. Don't see that happening here though, at least not this year, Greens focus (and Bennings) will be on deciding who to play with who and who to cut bait on, too many regulars not enough spots. I just think this will be a development year overall. EP in his rookie year developing from wing to center. OJ up and down gaining NHL confidence. Gaudette getting prime AHL minutes with two good wingers. The rest of the gang developing in the A with him as they do a Calder cup run. Woo, Dipietro, Hughes and Utunen (sp) at the WJHC in Vancouver. Hughes and Lockwood going deep at the Frozen 4. It will be like last year only different player in different leagues. Maybe a high draft pick again and then we start to seriously compete next year. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nuxfanabroad Posted July 28, 2018 Share Posted July 28, 2018 1 minute ago, Analyst82 said: Glad you caught the message I left you in there! Sometimes I hate typing from my phone for that exact reason haha. Appriciate you being a good sport about it! Love = move lol I'll exploit a typo like a shameless lawyer for Stormy! 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ilduce39 Posted July 28, 2018 Share Posted July 28, 2018 53 minutes ago, IBatch said: Two yeas ago TO played with seven regular shift rookies and made the playoffs...sure one was Mathews but it shows it can happen. Don't see that happening here though, at least not this year, Greens focus (and Bennings) will be on deciding who to play with who and who to cut bait on, too many regulars not enough spots. I think Pettersson, Juolevi, Gaudette, Demko and Dahlen all have a good shot at playing this season. Youth will be served. It might not be right out of camp but all those guys have the ability to contribute and if they’re ripping in Utica I’d expect to see them at some point. It’s a big difference between relying on them and having no other veteran options and giving them an opportunity over 82 games. 1 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Maketherightmove Posted July 28, 2018 Share Posted July 28, 2018 This is the right move, he isn't ready yet. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gaudette Celly Posted July 29, 2018 Share Posted July 29, 2018 6 hours ago, Virtanen#18 said: I'm surprised it has taken this long for Quinn to decide. My guess is the Canucks are still indecisive about assuring him a spot!! FWIW... 1 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gaudette Celly Posted July 29, 2018 Share Posted July 29, 2018 3 hours ago, Sean Monahan said: Jack isn’t going to U of M. Too bad JD Burke, Botch, and Abbott don't keep up with current events, or they wouldn't have been talking about Quinn playing with his brother in college when they were beaking off against the Canucks last night. 1 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SID.IS.SID.ME.IS.ME Posted July 29, 2018 Share Posted July 29, 2018 26 minutes ago, Maketherightmove said: This is the right move, he isn't ready yet. Nice hair though. (Sorry couldn’t resist ) 1 1 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Odd. Posted July 29, 2018 Share Posted July 29, 2018 27 minutes ago, Hutton Wink said: FWIW... Wasn't expecting any other other response than that. Him and Jack are going to tear it up. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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