Rutherford says Hughes told him his phone was dead on day of Tocchet’s departure

Vancouver Canucks President of Hockey Operations Jim Rutherford joined John Shannon on his podcast, 100% Hockey, with an update regarding Quinn Hughes following Rick Tocchet’s departure:

“Yeah, and I didn’t even say hello to him when he called me back,” Rutherford laughed. “I said, ‘I hope you were golfing, because when you didn’t answer the phone, I told the media that you were golfing.’ And he said, ‘I was golfing and my phone died, that’s why I’m getting back to you now.’ But we had a great conversation. He’s a very understanding guy. He did really like Rick. He still likes Rick. Of course, they had a great relationship, and he loved playing for him, but he understands how the sport works, and he’s all for going forward and with the changes we’re gonna have to make.”

Shortly after Rick Tocchet decided to move on, Rutherford held a press conference to detail their current situation and their mindset heading into the search for their next head coach. In the press conference, Ritherford was asked if he had a chance to speak with Captain Quinn Hughes, who had a very strong relationship with the former coach.

Rutherford shared that he hadn’t had the opportunity to chat with Hughes yet, as he did not answer his phone call.

“Yeah, well, I hope he’s playing golf, because he usually returns my calls right away,” Rutherford said. “I called him within a half an hour after I talked to Rick, so he hasn’t called me back yet.”

Hughes was later seen in New York, watching the Detroit Pistons’ 106-103 victory over the New York Knicks in round one of the NBA Playoffs. He was with New York Rangers prospect, Brenden Brisson.