Hughes Signs Pro Contract with NHL's Vancouver Canucks
3/10/2019 6:48:00 PM | Ice Hockey
ANN ARBOR, Mich. -- University of Michigan ice hockey sophomore defenseman Quinn Hughes has signed an entry-level contract with the NHL's Vancouver Canucks, the club announced Sunday (March 10).
"Thank you to the coaching staff, medical staff, trainers and the best fans in college hockey," Hughes said. "Most importantly, thank you to my teammates who made this the best two years of my life. Proud to be a part of the Michigan family! Go Blue!"
The Orlando, Florida, native was selected by the Canucks in the first round (seventh overall) in the 2018 NHL Entry Draft but returned to Ann Arbor for his sophomore season. He led the Wolverines in points with 33 (five goals, 28 assists in 32 games), which is the sixth highest in the nation among defensemen. His assists total ranks third among blue-liners, is fifth among all skaters and is second in the Big Ten.
"I want to congratulate Quinn on his signing with the Vancouver Canucks," said U-M head coach Mel Pearson. "I want to thank him for his time at the University of Michigan and the contributions that he made to our program. Quinn is an outstanding player, but more importantly he is an outstanding young man. The Canucks are getting an elite prospect, and we look forward to following Quinn's professional career."
Hughes finishes his Michigan career ranked 25th all-time in assists by a defenseman. His 24 assists as a freshman are the most by a Wolverine rookie blue-liner, while his 29 points rank third all-time by a Michigan freshman defenseman. His 33 points this season rank tied for eighth all-time for U-M sophomore defensemen, with his 28 assists tied for fourth all-time with Patrick Neaton (1990-91).Hughes led Michigan this season with a 10-game point streak (Nov. 3-Dec. 7) and recorded four three-point games. During the 2017-18 season, he was named to the Big Ten All-Freshman Team, All-Big Ten second team, All-CHN Rookie Team and NCAA Northeast Regional All-Tournament Team and was a Big Ten Rookie of the Year finalist.
Internationally, he was a two-time member of Team USA's World Junior Championship squads, winning a bronze medal (2018) and a silver (2019). Hughes also was the lone collegian to play for Team USA in the 2018 IIHF World Championship.
If Hughes makes an appearance with the Canucks, he will become the 99th Wolverine alum to make an appearance in an NHL game, and 21st this season.
