Worrying News for Quinn Hughes and the Vancouver Canucks

Last season, the Canucks dominated the NHL's Pacific Division with five points more than the Stanley Cup finalist Edmonton Oilers before losing to them in seven games in the second round of the playoffs.

This year, between injured players and locker room feuds, Vancouver's game has not gone quite as planned, leaving them holding onto the Western Division's Wild Card spot by a thread.

What is likely the most crucial factor in their risky situation has been the uncertain availability of key defenseman Quinn Hughes.

Hughes took more time off the ice after suffering an injury against the Dallas Stars, but many expressed concerns that his return against LA may be too sudden.

Though Vancouver beat the Kings 3-2 in overtime, their game against Seattle provided a much different and more concerning result.

The Canucks lost 3-6 to the Kraken, but more notably, NHL Insider Elliotte Friedman pointed out that Hughes did not play in the last nine minutes of the game.

Quinn Hughes is the third most point-productive defenseman in the league this season, posting 14 goals and 60 points in 50 games and standing 23 points ahead of Conor Garland in Vancouver's second spot.

Though no updates on his conditions have been reported, his extended time off the ice in the third period could be an indication of trouble to come ahead for the Canucks and their must-have player.

Vancouver will play on March 5th against the Anaheim Ducks and hopefully, whatever his status may be, Hughes will not cause to much of an issue on the ice.