The Canucks top prospect signed his entry-level contract on Sunday afternoon and made his way to Vancouver on Tuesday.
Unfortunately, his debut has been delayed due to a bruised foot, but fans are eagerly awaiting to see what the young man can do.
Michigan was unable to overcome Minnesota in the first round of the Big10 playoffs, but Hughes did everything he could to get the Wolverines into the second round. His bruised foot from the game on Friday night was from aggressively charging out to block a shot and although his ice-time was limited after that, he battled through it.
There are still some NCAA games to be played, but Hughes is currently second in points and assists among sophomore defencemen. He currently leads that same group in assists per game with 0.88 A/GP.
Once Hughes does step into the lineup in Vancouver, he will provide an instant boost to the transition game, powerplay, and puck movement within in the offensive zone. He can create space for himself through his movement or is then able to thread a pass to a wide-open teammate.
His impact on the powerplay will be noticeable immediately.
Hughes' ability to gain the zone with control will allow the remaining four players to get into the open space and setup. His movement along the line allows him to create lanes to attack the net. This forces his opponents to adjust to cover and thus opening even more space for his teammates.
There will obviously be a learning curve for Hughes as he adjusts to the grind of professional hockey, but his hockey sense, skating, and playmaking abilities will give fans some 'wow' moments soon enough.