As the season progresses, the Vancouver Canucks keep delivering one blow to their fans after another. Except for one win over the Anaheim Ducks, the Canucks have lost each one of their past seven matches, with the most recent being the 3-1 defeat against the formidable Colorado Avalanche.
It is frustrating to be a fan of a franchise that repeatedly lets you down, thanks to, among other things, its endless injury struggles. To make matters worse, recently, franchise superstar Quinn Hughes has faced social media backlash for his perceived unprofessional demeanor.
Quinn Hughes Faces Social Media Backlash as the Vancouver Canucks’ Woes Continue
Now, the Canucks are in a tough spot; reports have emerged that the team’s management is open to trading some of their veterans, including Kiefer Sherwood, Evander Kane, and possibly even Elias Pettersson.
However, if there is one player the Canucks wouldn’t want to part with, it would be Hughes: the star defenseman who is also the face of the franchise.
Not too long ago, Hughes noted that he believed trade speculation is inevitable if the team fails to deliver consistently. He further explained that his focus solely remained on winning games. However, the Canucks haven’t won any games to begin with, and now, fans are perplexed about what they believe is far from exemplary behavior being displayed by the team’s captain.
“Incredibly surprised and disappointed by Hughes’ demeanor in recent days, on the ice and off. Not very professional and, in fact, quite immature. It won’t hurt his trade value but it shows a side of him I wished I hadn’t seen,” noted one NHL fan on X, raising questions about the 26-year-old’s attitude lately.
Concerns about the star blueliner’s apparent impassivity aren’t limited to one social media user; others share similar views. “He plays with very little emotion on the ice, and he hasn’t shown much of anything, personality-wise, to this fanbase since he arrived He’s a quiet guy who doesn’t want the spotlight; like the entire team, and unlike JT Miller, who should’ve been the pretty obvious choice for captain after Horvat was traded,” another chimed in.
A Canucks fan seemed distressed about Hughes’ underwhelming defense against the Avalanche, urging the Canucks’ brass to find a way to get over the impasse. “Quinn Hughes with this effort level is a disservice to hockey. Figure it OUT Vancouver. My god.”
Another seemed to echo a similar opinion, sharing a sharply-worded criticism of the d-man’s play. “lmao what the hell is this this is lazy defending even by 10:30 pm monday night beer league standards.”
However, others believe Hughes alone cannot be held responsible for Vancouver’s struggles. Playing a critical role in a team that is fighting to make a comeback can be exhausting for Hughes, prompting many to argue that there is no justification for being so harsh about him.
Whatever the case may be, the Canucks need to come up with a solution quickly before they lose everything.
