NHL insider Elliotte Friedman recently updated fans on the injury status of Vancouver Canucks stars Quinn Hughes and Elias Pettersson, noting their injuries aren’t expected to be long-term. Canucks head coach Rick Tocchet later provided additional clarity, including a tentative timeline for their return. However, both players will miss the team’s upcoming road trip, which includes games against the Calgary Flames on Tuesday and the Seattle Kraken on Thursday. Their absence will continue to challenge a Canucks team struggling to find consistency with or without its top players this season.
Tocchet shared after Sunday’s practice that Pettersson is likely about a week away from returning, while Hughes’ status is considered week-to-week. This timeline suggests that Hughes and Pettersson could potentially return for Friday’s home game against the Nashville Predators, but their participation is far from guaranteed. The uncertainty surrounding their return only heightens the pressure on the team as it navigates key matchups without its two stars.
Hughes, 25, played through his injury during the Canucks’ 4-3 overtime victory against the San Jose Sharks last Monday, despite being a game-time decision. Tocchet explained that Hughes’ condition wouldn’t worsen with additional play, which allowed him to suit up and contribute to the win. However, Hughes will now take time off to recover fully, leaving the team to manage without one of its most reliable players. Tocchet emphasized the competitive nature of hockey players, acknowledging Hughes’ determination to play despite his limitations, adding, “He gutted it out for us, and we won the game.”
While the specifics of Hughes’ injury remain unclear, Tocchet’s comments suggest it isn’t related to ligaments or muscles, which typically worsen with continued activity. This detail likely offers some relief to fans concerned about an extended absence. Still, the Canucks’ struggles this season mean that even short-term injuries to key players feel like significant setbacks. The team has been inconsistent, battling challenges both when its stars are healthy and when they’re sidelined.
Pettersson’s situation is slightly more optimistic, with Tocchet projecting his return within a week. The Canucks will certainly benefit from having their offensive dynamo back in the lineup, but in the interim, the team will need to rally and find ways to compensate for his absence. Hughes and Pettersson have been central to Vancouver’s game plan, and their unavailability exposes vulnerabilities that the Canucks must address if they hope to remain competitive.
While neither injury appears to be catastrophic, the Canucks’ current form leaves little room for error. The absence of Hughes and Pettersson further magnifies the team’s challenges, putting pressure on other players to step up and deliver results. The upcoming games against Calgary and Seattle are critical, and Vancouver will need a strong collective effort to stay afloat in a competitive league.
As fans await the return of their stars, the Canucks’ ability to navigate this period without Hughes and Pettersson could define their season. Injuries are an unavoidable part of hockey, but how a team responds in the face of adversity often determines its trajectory. For Vancouver, finding that resilience is more urgent than ever.
