The Vancouver Canucks have announced that they have signed defenceman Quinn Hughes to a three-year entry level contract. Hughes will travel to Vancouver on Tuesday.

Vancouver Canucks Sign Quinn Hughes

Welcome to the #Canucks Quinn Hughes! Last year’s 7th overall pick signs a three-year entry-level contract with Vancouver. https://t.co/lDwkuR7EPU

— Vancouver Canucks (@Canucks) March 10, 2019

Hughes just completed his second season in the NCAA with the University of Michigan in the Big 10 Division. In 32 games this season, Hughes scored five goals and added 28 assists for 33 points. This was good for the team lead.

Hughes represented Team USA in the last two IIHF World Junior Championships and helped the Americans to a silver medal this year in Vancouver.

Hughes was originally selected by the Vancouver Canucks in the first round, seventh overall in the 2018 NHL Entry Draft.

What This Means for the Future

Hughes will join his teammates in Vancouver on Tuesday and is expected to make his NHL debut on Wednesday night against the New York Rangers.

General Manager Jim Benning had this to say about his top prospect:

“Quinn is an exceptional skater, strong on the puck and plays with creativity and vision. He was a leader on his team at the University of Michigan and has had success at the international level. We’re excited for Quinn to join our team and continue to grow his game as a member of the Vancouver Canucks.”

Hughes will join a young Canucks group led by super rookie Elias Pettersson, Brock Boeser and Bo Horvat. With the playoffs pretty much out of reach for the Canucks, Hughes will just look to get a head start on his development with the club in preparation for next season. He’s an extremely gifted skater with a very high hockey IQ and excellent vision. He’s an outstanding puck mover and will certainly be a huge contributor to the Canucks offence in the future.

With the Canucks currently sitting 26th position in the entire NHL, there is a chance that they could potentially win the draft lottery and get a chance to select Quinn’s brother Jack Hughes at this year’s NHL Entry Draft. While the odds are not great, the city of Vancouver will certainly hold on to that glimmer of hope. Playoff hockey will soon be returning to British Columbia.

DALLAS, TX – JUNE 22: Quinn Hughes poses after being selected seventh overall by the Vancouver Canucks during the first round of the 2018 NHL Draft at American Airlines Center on June 22, 2018 in Dallas, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images)