Quinn Hughes’ puck moving ability will help him thrive in Minnesota

The Minnesota Wild made a franchise-altering move to acquire superstar defenseman Quinn Hughes from the Vancouver Canucks, and they’re already reaping the rewards.

In Hughes’ first two games with the Wild, the team has won twice while outscoring the opposition 11-2. Hughes has a goal and an assist, the latter of which came on a power play, and he’s played at least 26:55 in both contests.

Minnesota has arrived as a legitimate contender for the Stanley Cup with this acquisition, even in a loaded division as they still look up at Colorado and Dallas in the standings.

On Wednesday’s episode of Daily Faceoff LIVE, host Tyler Yaremchuk and co-host and former NHL goaltender Carter Hutton were joined by former NHL video coach Steve Peters to discuss why Hughes’ super power as a puck-mover will only keep his stock soaring with his new team.

Carter Hutton: As for smart players, I listened to Quinn Hughes’ postgame. Minnesota Wild, and what does he bring to this team other than his hockey IQ and his immediate skill that makes this team a contender, Petey?

Steve Peters: What Quinn Hughes does with the puck is special. The more you watch him do those little things… When you look at what he does, it’s these kind of plays where he’s able to move his feet, get himself out of danger, and get the puck out of the defensive zone. And doing that for Vancouver, sometimes the puck would come back. But this is one of his greatest strengths, the puck off the ice quickly on long breakout plays, extending the ice. When you look at Minnesota, they’re a better team up front. They’re better balanced, and they have forwards that can do something with that puck when you get it high in the zone. Hughes is the guy that can make those plays, but he’s doing the same things as he gets to Minnesota.

You can watch the full segment and the rest of the episode here…