Quinn Hughes revolutionized the blueline for the Vancouver Canucks this season. That is a fact. The 20-year-old American from Orlando, Florida is the greatest thing to happen to the Canucks since pretty much ever, and his consistently impressive rookie campaign was just the beginning of his reign of dominance as one of the NHL’s best young defensemen.
In 50 years, the Canucks have never had a blueliner that can wheel and deal with the puck as well as Hughes. His 53 points (eight goals, 45 assists) were the most of any rookie in the NHL this season, and more impressively, he finished tied for fourth in scoring amongst all blueliners in the league.