Former Michigan defenseman Quinn Hughes finishes runner-up for NHL’s rookie of the year award

Former Michigan defenseman Quinn Hughes set two Vancouver Canucks rookie awards and was on his way to breaking another before the coronavirus pandemic forced the regular season to end a month early.

But it wasn’t enough to win the NHL’s Calder Trophy, awarded annually to the league’s top rookie.

In one of the closest votes in recent history, Colorado Avalanche defenseman Cale Makar edged Hughes for the award.

Hughes, the No. 7 overall pick by the Canucks in 2018, led all NHL rookies in assists (45), points (53) and power-play points (25) in 68 games. He set Vancouver rookie records for assists and power-play points, and was three points from tying Dale Tallon the most points in a season by a Vancouver rookie defenseman.

But Makar, the No. 4 overall pick in 2017, was equally impressive, finishing with 50 points (12 goals, 38 assists) in 57 games.

Although the voting was finalized before the playoffs, both Hughes and Makar also had strong postseasons.

The 5-foot-10 Hughes, who received 53 of 169 first-place votes, set an NHL record for assists by a rookie defenseman in a single postseason with 14 in 16 games. The Canucks were eliminated in the second round.

Makar, who received 116 first-place votes, recorded four goals and 11 assists in 15 postseason games before his Avalanche were eliminated in the second round.

Hughes played two seasons at Michigan before signing a three-year entry-level deal following the 2018-19 college season. The Orlando native was a Hobey Baker Award candidate in 2018-19 as the top player in college hockey. He led Michigan with 33 points (five goals, 28 assists) in 32 games.

As a freshman, Hughes recorded five goals and 24 assists, helping lead the team to a Frozen Four appearance.

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