Injury sidelines Quinn Hughes, Vancouver’s star defenseman, as Jake Sanderson steps in to represent Team USA at the 4 Nations Face-Off.
Vancouver Canucks general manager Patrik Allvin confirmed on Sunday that defenseman Quinn Hughes will not be representing the United States at the upcoming 4 Nations Face-Off. Hughes, 25, will be replaced by Ottawa Senators defenseman Jake Sanderson.
Hughes has been sidelined with an undisclosed injury, which also caused him to miss the Canucks’ final four games leading up to the tournament. His last game was on January 31, a 5-3 loss to the Dallas Stars, where he recorded an assist in 23:26 of ice time. However, Hughes only took three shifts in the last 15 minutes of the game, visibly uncomfortable on the bench. Although he participated in warmups for the Canucks’ next game on February 2 against the Detroit Red Wings, he ultimately didn’t play.
“I know Quinn is a USA guy, loves his country, playing with his brother. There’s a lot of positives to that, But he’s a smart kid, too. He understands what’s at stake.” : Canucks coach Rick Tocchet said on Wednesday.
A key player for the Canucks, Hughes has been exceptional this season, leading the team with 59 points (14 goals, 45 assists) in just 47 games. The reigning Norris Trophy winner, awarded to the NHL’s top defenseman, was initially one of the first six players named to Team USA’s roster for the June tournament. His brother, Jack Hughes of the New Jersey Devils, is also on the U.S. squad.
In Hughes’ absence, Jake Sanderson steps in. The 22-year-old Senators defenseman has had a strong season with 35 points (five goals, 30 assists) in 55 games. Drafted fifth overall in 2020, Sanderson has accumulated 105 points (19 goals, 86 assists) across 211 NHL games.
Team USA will kick off the tournament on Thursday, facing Finland at Bell Centre in Montreal.
Image Credit: Steve Roberts-Imagn Images
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