The Vancouver Canucks landed Michigan defenceman Quinn Hughes with the seventh pick in this year’s draft, and now the question is whether or not he’s ready to jump into the NHL right off the bat.
Shortly after being drafted, Hughes admitted he’s “ready right now,” per Sportsnet’s Iain MacIntyre, and that he can “help the Vancouver Canucks” immediately. But how does University of Michigan head coach Mel Pearson feel about that?
Speaking with Mike Johnston of Sportsnet, Pearson explained why he feels like another year of college would be best for the 5-foot-10 Hughes:
I just want to make sure he’s physically mature to handle the 82-game schedule and the grind of the NHL.