After being selected seventh overall by the Vancouver Canucks, Michigan defenseman Quinn Hughes decided to return for his sophomore season in Ann Arbor.

Hughes currently has three goals and seventeen assists for the Wolverines through seventeen games. Last year he set a new high for Michigan freshmen defenders in total points. He’s on pace to be even better this year. Hughes has absolutely proven that he’s ready for the next level. He should get an immediate chance with the Canucks regardless of their place in the standings.

With the IIHF World Junior Championship looming, Hughes will shift his focus to the prestigious tournament as he has been named to the preliminary roster.

Now, it appears the smooth-skating blueliner intends to forego his final two years of eligibility to sign with the Canucks when Michigan’s season comes to an end.

The question now is when that might be. Michigan has not been great this year and I’m inclined to think that they’ll have to win the Big Ten to make the NCAA tournament. Of course, anything can happen in the conference tournament. After their run to the Frozen Four last year, Michigan could face an early end to their season in Spring of 2019. An early end to Michigan’s season could provide a big boost to Vancouver when the playoff race heats up. With the Canucks limping along this year, they’re still in the mix heading into the new year.