Canucks’ Quinn Hughes sits final 9:05 of loss to Kraken as injury concerns linger
The Vancouver Canucks’ 6-3 defeat to the Seattle Kraken might not have been their biggest loss on Saturday.
Star defenceman Quinn Hughes did not play the final 9:05 of the third period, once again putting the spotlight on his health after he also missed the 4 Nations Face-Off with an undisclosed injury.
It is unclear when the latest injury occurred. Hughes went down the tunnel one shift after Seattle’s Oliver Bjorkstrand scored in the second period, but returned to the ice shortly after.
He was seen moving and stretching during stoppages as he tried to continue on, but apparently could not go in the final half of the third period.
Hughes is believed to be dealing with an oblique injury, Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman reported on Hockey Night In Canada.
Vancouver had been dressing seven defenceman to help manage the reigning Norris Trophy winner’s workload, but went back to the usual six on Saturday.
Hughes had missed six games since Jan. 31 with an undisclosed injury. The contest against Seattle marked his third back on the ice.
In 49 games this season, Hughes has 14 goals and 46 assists as the Canucks (27-22-11) continue to cling to the second wild-card spot in the Western Conference.
Vancouver’s next game is Wednesday at home against Anaheim.
