Bruce Boudreau reveals the Canucks' plan to transform Quinn Hughes into a center during his tenure as HC

Quinn Hughes, the star defenseman for the Vancouver Canucks, became the center of attention when former head coach Bruce Boudreau made a surprising revelation during an appearance on the NHL Network panel.

Boudreau disclosed that, during his tenure as head coach, someone within the Canucks' organization advocated for transforming Hughes into a center.

In an interview with Kevin Weekes and Jackie Redmond, the 69-year-old coach disclosed,

"I gotta say this for the first time on TV. I’m not gonna say who, but somebody in that Vancouver organization tried to make me make Quinn Hughes a centre last year."

Boudreau emphatically refused to comply with this proposed shift, stating,

"I’m not making him a centre, I’m not making him a centre, and they kept trying to get me to put Quinn at centre, and I am so happy I didn’t."

The revelation adds a layer of intrigue to Hughes' career trajectory, as the young defenseman has been making a name for himself as one of the NHL's top blueliners. Boudreau highlighted the significance of his decision, stating,

"First of all, he would probably not take it too well. Secondly, the year he’s having, a Norris Trophy kind of year, it’s quite a difference from him playing centre on that team."

While Boudreau did not disclose the identity or role of the individual behind this unconventional suggestion, the revelation sheds light on the behind-the-scenes dynamics within the Canucks organization during a pivotal time.

As Quinn Hughes continues to thrive on the blue line, the decision to keep him there seems to have been crucial for both the player and the team.

Quinn Hughes shines in season performance and his story behind jersey no. 43

Quinn Hughes has showcased his stellar skills in the current season, featuring in 42 games for the Vancouver Canucks as a defenseman.

With an impressive tally of 11 goals and 40 assists, Hughes has notched up a remarkable 51 points. Beyond his on-ice prowess, the talented defenseman and current captain have become synonymous with jersey number 43.

The story behind Hughes' jersey choice is refreshingly simple and spontaneous, reflecting the essence of going with the flow. Hughes revealed that during his U17 year, faced with the task of selecting a number between 30 and 60, he opted for 43 without much deliberation.

Having previously worn No. 6, Hughes liked the sound of 43 and decided to stick with it. In a world where many athletes have elaborate stories behind their jersey numbers, Hughes' choice exemplifies the charm of simplicity and spontaneity behind it.