The Vancouver Canucks will evaluate defenseman Quinn Hughes to determine if he can play in the 4 Nations Face-Off, head coach Rick Tocchet announced.
Hughes, who was among Team USA’s initial six player selections, hasn’t played in Vancouver’s last two games due to an undisclosed injury. He won’t play Thursday against the San Jose Sharks and remains questionable for Saturday’s game.
“We’ll sit down with Quinn and talk to him,” Tocchet told NHL.com.
“Depends on how close he is to playing on Saturday, that’s what it comes down to. We’re going to have to have a hard, long look at this. Like every player, you’re concerned about safety and health.”
Hughes leads the Canucks with 59 points in 47 games this season while averaging 25 minutes of ice time.
The 4 Nations Face-Off would mark Hughes’ first appearance for Team USA in a best-on-best tournament. The event carries additional significance as he’s scheduled to play alongside his brother, Jack Hughes of the New Jersey Devils.
“I know Quinn is a USA guy,” Tocchet said. “Loves his country. Playing with his brother, there’s a lot of positives to that, but he’s a smart kid, too. He understands what’s at stake.”
Team USA begins tournament play against Finland on Feb. 13.
