“I believe that with Rick and Footy (assistant coach Adam Foote) and the way that they coach and structuring how we are defensively,” Hughes said, “if we add another player or two and have some guys within our group play better next year than they did this past season, I think we can be a really, really successful team. We’re very structured, we don’t give up much, we have maybe the best goalie tandem in the league, and we have a great D-corps and others that are coming that will help us. The point is, if we get Rick back and add a piece or two, we can be very successful.”

“He’s an amazing coach,” Hughes said. “You look at me individually and my game, he’s been amazing for me — amazing for a lot of guys. He’s just a great person, first of all. That’s a guy you want to compete for, you want to play for. And he’s a terrific coach.

“I think just the way Rick coaches, how solid we are defensively and structured, he gives us the chance to win every night. At times (with injuries this season), we might have been a little outmatched. But I think he’s a terrific coach. Last year, he won the Jack Adams Award, and this year, I think he’s probably been even better. But whatever he does, it’s his decision. Obviously, I’d like to have him back. And I think he knows that.”