5 surprise winners for the NHL’s 2020 Calder Trophy
By Kyle McKenna
4. Quinn Hughes
As noted earlier, New Jersey Devils’ forward Jack Hughes received most of the attention from the media as the favorite to win the 2020 Calder Trophy. However, his older brother might have something to say about that once the season ends.
Quinn Hughes, 20, has proven that he could surprisingly be a front runner for Rookie of the Year while leaving his brother out of the conversation.
The defenseman doesn’t perform like a rookie skater, as his speed up the ice and puck movement in all three zones is mature in comparison to other 20-year-old blueliners. Vancouver’s 2018 seventh overall draft-pick is third on the team for average time on ice (20:38), and he’s recorded a commendable seven points (1g-6a) in ten games played.
The difference between Hughes and other rookies around the league is how much he’s relied on from the Canucks. The University of Michigan product is a game-changer for Vancouver and has proved that he can dictate the pace of play on a regular basis.
The expectations were high for Jack Hughes’ brother, Quinn, and he’s portrayed a sense of composure while handling those pressures in an admirable way.
No. 43’s play has some flashy characteristics at times, but he’s never over the top with his decision making on the ice. The Hughes brother of the Western Conference is poised to have immediate success at the NHL level while making a name for himself as a top-tier defenseman.
Don’t be surprised to see the older brother take home NHL hardware first.