Quinn Hughes almost became a centerfold last year

Quinn Hughes is having quite a season. A season worthy of a Norris Trophy winner.

In fact, the defenseman collected 51 points in 42 games. And of all the defensemen on the circuit, no one is doing better than him. Cale Makar, who has played five fewer games, has three fewer points.

But the point is that Hughes has almost become a center. That’s what Bruce Boudreau said earlier this evening.

Bruce Boudreau revealed someone in the #Canucks organization tried to get him to make Quinn Hughes a center last year @Jackie_Redmond | @KevinWeekes pic.twitter.com/hPFb44ZylK

– NHL Network (@NHLNetwork) January 13, 2024

The former Canucks coach received a request from an unnamed member of the organization. This person wanted Boudreau to try the experiment of moving Hughes to center last year.

With good reason, Boudreau refused the request, even though this person/these people – who, I hope, lost their jobs – wouldn’t give up. Obviously, the coach is very happy today that he resisted the temptation, because as mentioned, Hughes is really having an extraordinary season.

What’s more, putting him in the middle would have affected his confidence, that’s for sure.

It’s not necessarily unheard of for a small defenceman to be turned into a striker. Remember that earlier in the season, Erik Brannstrom was moved to wing by new coach Jacques Martin. And let’s not forget that Dustin Byfuglien started his career as a defenseman and ended it as a forward.

In short, I don’t know if Hughes was consulted by a member of the organization, but clearly, Boudreau didn’t talk to him about a change.

Last year, Luke and Jack’s brother amassed 76 points in 78 games. It was the best season of his career. This year, he’s on track to eclipse that mark by some 20 points. He’s one of the most valuable players on a team with a 28-11-3 record and the second-best record in the NHL.

In bursts

– He’s making good progress.

– Really?

– Good guy.