Career Timeline of Quinn Hughes: Major Achievements and Milestones

From career breakthroughs to professional milestones, explore how Quinn Hughes made an impact.

Quinn Hughes is an American professional ice hockey defenseman currently playing for the Minnesota Wild in the NHL. Drafted seventh overall by the Vancouver Canucks in 2018, he played seven seasons with them, captaining the team from 2023-2025. Recognized as a top prospect prior to his draft, Hughes quickly established himself as an offensive defenseman. He was nominated for the Calder Memorial Trophy in 2020 as the NHL's best rookie. In 2024, he won the James Norris Memorial Trophy as the NHL's best defenseman. He also holds several franchise and NHL records for defensemen.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

January 2015: Verbal Commitment to University of Michigan

In January 2015, Quinn Hughes made a verbal commitment to play college ice hockey at the University of Michigan for their 2017-18 season.

2017: Played for Michigan Wolverines

In 2017, Quinn Hughes began playing for the Michigan Wolverines at the University of Michigan, where he majored in Sport Management.

2017: Joined University of Michigan

In 2017, Quinn Hughes joined the University of Michigan after success with the USA Hockey National Team Development Program.

2017: Verbal Commitment to University of Michigan

In 2017, Quinn Hughes was to play college ice hockey at the University of Michigan for their 2017-18 season.

December 24, 2018: Hughes named alternate captain

On December 24, 2018, Quinn Hughes and his Michigan teammate, Josh Norris, were named alternate captains for the United States team at the 2019 World Junior Championships.

2018: Finished Season with the Wolverines

In 2018, Quinn Hughes finished the season with the Wolverines.

2018: Represented United States in the World Junior Championship

In 2018, Quinn Hughes represented the United States at the World Junior Championships and debuted with the senior national team at the World Championship, where he helped the team win a bronze medal.

2018: Drafted by Vancouver Canucks

In 2018, Quinn Hughes was drafted by the Vancouver Canucks in the first round, seventh overall, of the NHL entry draft. He then attended the Canucks development camp before deciding to return to Michigan for his sophomore year.

March 10, 2019: Signed with the Canucks

On March 10, 2019, Quinn Hughes ended his collegiate career and signed a three-year entry-level contract with the Vancouver Canucks.

March 28, 2019: NHL Debut

On March 28, 2019, Quinn Hughes made his NHL debut with the Vancouver Canucks against the Los Angeles Kings, recording his first career NHL point with an assist.

2019: Continued Record-Breaking Season

In 2019, Quinn Hughes continued his record-breaking season with the Canucks.

2019: Played for Michigan Wolverines

In 2019, Quinn Hughes continued playing for the Michigan Wolverines at the University of Michigan.

2019: Represented United States in the World Junior Championship

In 2019, Quinn Hughes represented the United States at the World Junior Championships.

August 6, 2020: Recorded Multi-Point Playoff Game

On August 6, 2020, Quinn Hughes recorded his first multi-point playoff game against the Minnesota Wild, becoming the sixth-youngest defenseman to record a three-assist playoff game and the youngest in team history.

January 13, 2021: 2020-21 NHL season start

On January 13, 2021, the NHL's 2020–21 season began after being pushed back due to the COVID-19 pandemic, featuring a shortened 56-game regular season and temporary realignment into the North Division for the Canucks.

April 21, 2021: Hughes returns to the ice

On April 21, 2021, Quinn Hughes returned to the ice after recovering from the Gamma variant of COVID-19, scoring three points in a 6–3 victory against the Toronto Maple Leafs.

October 1, 2021: Hughes signs six-year contract

On October 1, 2021, Quinn Hughes signed a six-year, $47.1 million contract with the Canucks after missing most of training camp and preseason games.

January 21, 2022: Hughes reaches 30 assists

On January 21, 2022, in his 39th game of the season, Quinn Hughes collected his 30th assist, becoming the second fastest Canucks defenseman to reach 30 assists in a season.

March 4, 2023: Hughes hits 200 assists

On March 4, 2023, Quinn Hughes tallied two assists in the Canucks' 4–1 win over the Toronto Maple Leafs, becoming the fastest defenseman in NHL history to reach the 200-assist milestone, achieving this in his 263rd career NHL game.

November 5, 2024: Hughes achieves 300 assists

On November 5, 2024, Quinn Hughes tallied three assists during a 5–1 win over the Anaheim Ducks, becoming the third-fastest defenseman in NHL history to reach the 300-assist milestone, achieving it in his 376th career NHL game.

December 12, 2025: Hughes traded to Minnesota Wild

On December 12, 2025, Quinn Hughes was traded to the Minnesota Wild in exchange for Marco Rossi, Zeev Buium, Liam Öhgren, and a 2026 first-round pick.

January 2, 2026: Hughes named to US Olympic roster

On January 2, 2026, Quinn Hughes was named to the United States' roster for the 2026 Winter Olympics.

January 19, 2026: Hughes becomes fastest to 20 points

On January 19, 2026, Quinn Hughes became the fastest player to 20 points in Minnesota Wild franchise history, reaching the milestone in just 18 games.