As the Vancouver Canucks prepare to wrap up their preseason and gear up for the 2024-25 campaign, captain Quinn Hughes sat down with NHL’s Jackie Redmond to reflect on his offseason and share insights on the upcoming season.
Hughes, known for his methodical approach to the game, discussed how he’s refined his offseason training over the years.
“I took 8 or 9 weeks this year,” said Hughes, addressing how he’s learned to balance work and recovery during the summer. “There’s a lot of people who just work to work, and they’re working super hard, but you peak in June, and it’s hard to do that for the entire summer. I think sometimes less is more. Everything is for a reason; it’s very precise. I find that’s the best way to go about it.”
The importance of surrounding himself with the right support system is not lost on Hughes, who credited his family and trainers for keeping him on track. It certainly helps to have the natural competition that comes with being one of three brothers in the NHL.
“I’ve got some great people around me, and I have a great trainer. My dad runs our skates in Michigan, which is really fun. Over the last couple years, I’ve learned what works for me. I came into the league at 19, and now I’m going to be 25 in October. Every summer I come back, I feel like I’ve gained on someone. I do put in a lot of work in the summer, but it’s also about balance.”
Hughes has matured over his years in the NHL and has grown into his leadership role with the Canucks. He also revealed how he stays mentally sharp during the season, practicing restraint from phones and media to help unwind.
“I try to get away from my phone during the season. I read a lot of books, but you’re always ‘on.’ It’s nice to turn your phone off, read a book, and you go to bed a little bit easier than being stimulated on your phone,” Hughes shared. “It’s tough to read in the summer because you want to be outside.”
Hughes is always evolving in his leadership as the team captain. At age 23, he was named captain of Vancouver before the 2023-24 season and quickly proved the organization’s decision was the right one by leading all NHL defencemen in points and winning the prestigious Norris trophy that year. Hughes is determined to continue leading by example and letting his actions do the talking.
“It’s always changing. I’m always trying to learn and get better at what I need to do to make sure, one, we’re ready as a team, and two, everyone feels comfortable with themselves. On a personal basis, I do what I do and try to have people follow through that example.”
When asked about his relationship with Canucks head coach Rick Tocchet, Hughes didn’t hold back his admiration for the bench boss. He emphasized how Tocchet has fostered a culture of open communication and growth.
“He’s great. He’s the best. He’s my favorite coach ever. He’s just a great coach, a great person, cares about his players,” Hughes said, praising Tocchet’s approach. “And it’s not like [he’s like] ‘I’m the coach, do whatever I say,’ he’s very open to negotiation, wants to talk things through, he wants to get on the same page.”
“I don’t know if I’ve ever met anyone who loves the game as much as him. He’s always talking about hockey.”
Looking ahead, Hughes expressed his excitement for the new season and the new Four Nations Face-Off tournament, which will be held in February 2025.
“It’s going to be really exciting. We haven’t had something like that, the game hasn’t had something like it. I’ve never been a part of something like it. I’m really glad they’re doing it in February when everyone’s game should be at top-notch halfway through the season. It’s going to be a great opportunity, great experience. When the time comes, I know I’m going to be excited.”
With the season just around the corner, the Canucks and their captain are focused on the journey ahead, and Hughes is ready to lead by example, both on and off the ice.
