Quinn Hughes has made it official. He will be absent for the first international tournament NHL stars will be present at since 2016. While this certainly would be an epic chance for the Vancouver Canucks captain to represent Team USA, Hughes had to choose: the Canucks’ playoff chances or playing for his country. In the end, the choice was simple. He couldn’t risk the season to play for Team USA. But guess what? Many across the hockey world have actually backed his decision.

But why did Hughes make this call? It’s pretty simple: health over glory and team over everything. Hughes has been out since the end of January, and the last thing the Canucks would want is for their captain to spend even longer on the sidelines. NHL insider Elliotte Friedman explained it perfectly on the 32 Thoughts podcast, saying, “If Hughes is in a situation where it gets worse while he’s playing in this tournament, it really could derail Vancouver’s season.” He has been a lynchpin in the Canucks team; they need him at full strength if they want to make a strong playoff push.

Friedman also shared a personal anecdote about making tough choices like this. “Sportsnet offered to release me, and I was gonna go work it for CBC. But I didn’t go. Because the NHL games were going on, and I was gonna leave during NHL season, miss NHL games, and not work on the show. And I just didn’t think it was the right thing to do.” The event he’s referring to? It was the 2018 Winter Olympics! So, yeah, even insiders know a thing or two about staying committed when it’s crunch time.

Elliotte Friedman could empathize with Hughes’ situation but agreed that staying back was the best option for him. “So when I see Quinn Hughes in this situation, I can only imagine how much it stinks not to play with his brother and play for the U.S. in this tournament. But, you know, ultimately, you can’t derail your NHL team season, and I think he knows that.”

After all, being team captain comes with its responsibilities. Canucks head coach Rick Tocchet put it best. “He has to make sure he takes care of himself. We need a healthy Quinn Hughes if we’re going to go anywhere.” It may be tough, but Hughes is keeping his eyes on the bigger prize—helping the Canucks make it to the playoffs.

What does Quinn Hughes’ decision mean for Team USA?

Quinn Hughes’ decision to prioritize the Canucks over representing Team USA shows some serious maturity and leadership, and fans are fully supporting his choice. Sure, it’s true that Team USA will need him too, but in this situation it’s the Canucks who will need him most. Hughes’ 59 points (14 goals and 45 assists) have made him the Canucks’ points leader. His offensive production is invaluable, in addition to his defensive contributions. Without him, it would be no lie to say that Vancouver would be in a much tougher spot in the standings. But Team USA? They’ve got more options than the Canucks do.

With Quinn Hughes pulling out, Team USA has chosen Jake Sanderson to fill the gap. The Ottawa Senators defenseman does not have Hughes’ experience, but he has been absolutely killing it this season. He’s a major player on the Senators’ blue line, but replacing Hughes, with all his offensive skills and leadership, is no small task. But Sanderson brings something extra to the table that Hughes doesn’t: Olympic experience. That’s right, prior to beginning his NHL career, Sanderson had the opportunity to briefly represent the U.S. at the 2022 Winter Olympics. Team USA will definitely miss Hughes, but Sanderson may well shape up to be a more than capable deputy.

On a personal note, you can tell Hughes is bummed about not getting the chance to play alongside his brother Jack Hughes on the international stage.“I’m sorry, I was so pumped,” the 25-year-old texted his brother. The promise of a Team USA moment with the Hughes brothers would’ve been iconic, but Quinn Hughes knows that that’s not his biggest priority right now. And besides, the brothers will get another chance to play together for the U.S. soon enough at next year’s Winter Olympics.

All in all, the fans, coach, and analysts have backed Hughes’ choice, stressing how much the Canucks need him at his best during this critical time in the season. Team USA may be at a disadvantage but then again would an injured Hughes really make all the difference? As captain, Hughes is all about the bigger picture, and his decision shows how committed he is to the Canucks’ long-term success. What do you think? Let us know in the comments below!