Insiders Reveal Frontrunner For Canucks Captaincy

Ever since the Vancouver Canucks traded Bo Horvat to the New York Islanders last season, they've been without a captain. Speculation has circulated this summer as to who would take over the leadership role in the dressing room and on the ice, and now, according to NHL Insider Elliotte Friedman on his 32 Thoughts podcast, he's hearing that their young top-pairing defenceman is the best bet to earn the 'C'. 

The money is on Quinn Hughes as captain of the Vancouver Canucks... I think Hughes really cares. To me, your captain has to care. Like, really care. And I think that guy really cares.

Hughes is the Canucks backline leader, has been with the team for five seasons now, and already was an assistant captain. Last season, he posted a career-high 69 assists from the blueline, with 76 points in 78 games, and a plus-15. He plays 25 minutes a night, and is a tremendous leader both at 5-on-5 and on the power play.

Certainly, newly-minted 100-point scorer Elias Pettersson has also been under consideration, and for what it's worth, he's former coach Bruce Boudreau's choice. But with 'Petey' recently putting extension talks on hold, and entering restricted free agency next summer, that likely strikes him off the list.

"Look, you can't give it to Elias, his contract situation, it's just too much up in the air," said Canucks Insider Rick Dhaliwal recently. "We don't know if he is going to be here in a year or two."

Another possible choice would be another top Canucks center, and a current assistant captain, 11-year veteran JT Miller. "For me, my personal pick is JT Miller," added Dhaliwal. "The passion, he cares, he hates to lose. I don't care about the bad body language and all that stuff. This guy is a warrior for me."

But from all accounts, both Dhaliwal, and now Friedman, are hearing that it will be Hughes wearing the 'C' in Vancouver. 

Photo: Bob Frid-USA TODAY Sports