Vancouver Canucks captain has made history, as he tied Alex Edler for most points by a defenseman in team history, and his teammates and coaches spoke out.
Quinn Hughes continues to etch his name in Vancouver Canucks history. Monday evening, the Canucks captain posted another milestone as Vancouver earned a 2-1 overtime victory over the San Jose Sharks.
Posting a secondary assist on Jake DeBrusk's game-winning goal, Hughes tied former Canucks defenceman Alex Edler for most career points by a blueliner in Canucks history, with 409.
While Vancouver will not be taking a visit to the playoffs, the team ensured that the achievement was not ignored. The Canucks celebrated their captain's milestone recently with an X post, wishing him congratulations on the feat.
'The smile says it all! Tonight, Captain Quinn tied Alex Edler for the most points by a defenceman in Canucks history.'
Players and coach Rick Tocchet also took to the airwaves to congratulate their star defenseman on his historical feat.
'He's a pleasure to coach,' head coach Rick Tocchet added. 'He's probably hurting more than anybody about not making the playoffs.'
Hughes broke the record in just 432 games, much faster than Edler, who took 925 games to break the same record.
Hughes will look to break the all-time record tonight against Vegas
Now at 76 points in 67 games this season, Hughes can officially surpass Edler in Wednesday's season finale against the Vegas Golden Knights at Rogers Arena.
After Monday's win, Hughes recalled witnessing Edler reach the milestone when he first joined the team in the 2018-19 season, giving his milestone an extra significance.
'I was lucky enough to watch Edler break it. I think it was my first career game when he did,' Hughes said. 'Very honored. It's been a blessing to play here.'
In what was a bleak ending to a dramatic season for Canucks fans, the silver lining in it all is that one of the NHL's greatest defensemen is part of this team for quite some time ahead.
