6 more wild stats as Quinn Hughes becomes first defenceman since 93-94 to record consecutive 60-assist seasons

Quinn Hughes has done it again.

And by “it” of course, we mean “done something nobody has done for a long time and seemingly get little to no attention for doing it.”

As we said last week, Hughes is underrated on the national level, and sometimes — but not nearly as often — at the local level as well.

Last night, in the Vancouver Canucks’ 2-1 win over the Anaheim Ducks, Hughes recorded assists on both of his team’s only goals. In doing so, he became the first NHL defenceman to record consecutive 60-assist seasons since Paul Coffey and Ray Bourque in 1993-94.

And that’s not the only stat that needs highlighting in Hughes’ remarkable season.

At the time of this writing, Hughes also leads all NHL defencemen in power play points, and is a crucial part of the Canucks’ man-advantage unit. Hughes is also tied with Josh Morrissey for third in the league in points per games played, behind just Erik Karlsson and Cale Makar at an even point per game scoring rate.

Last night, Hughes also became just the second skater in Canucks franchise history to hit the 60-assist mark multiple times, joining a list that now features Hughes along with franchise legend and former captain Henrik Sedin, who accomplished the feat six times over his career.

What we’re seeing from Hughes this season is truly remarkable, and the 23-year-old blueliner’s fourth full NHL campaign becomes even more impressive when you consider how much he’s improved defensively. Hughes has been tasked with playing big minutes against the opposition’s best on a nightly basis this season, and despite not having a steady defence partner through it all, Hughes is posting the lowest chances against per 60 rate of his career.

Back on the offensive side of things, Hughes is enjoying the highest high-danger chances for and highest high-danger goals for of his career, at 11.35 and 1.97, respectively.

Quite literally, Hughes is putting together a historic season by not just Canucks standards, but NHL standards as well. And of course, he’s still only just 23.