Vancouver Canucks name defenceman Quinn Hughes as captain

Quinn Hughes has been named the new captain of the Vancouver Canucks, becoming the franchise's first defenceman to wear the "C" in decades.

The last rearguard to hold the honour was Doug Lidster, who was part of a three-player rotation in the 1990-91 season, according to the team.

Hughes previously served as alternative captain last season alongside Elias Pettersson, J.T. Miller and Oliver Elkman-Larsson.

“To now be the captain is an incredible honour,” 23-year-old Hughes said at a news conference at Rogers Arena. “It’s something that I never even dreamed of and I’m going to try my best.”

The last Canucks defenceman to serve as full-time captain was Kevin McCarthy, who held the role from 1979 to 1982.

Born in Florida, Hughes grew up in Toronto before being drafted seventh-overall by Vancouver in 2018, and has made a significant impression over his five seasons with the franchise – becoming the fastest defenceman in NHL history to rack up 200 assists.

He also set the single-season Canucks records for points (76) and assists (69) by a blue-liner last year.

“For me, I’m excited to have Huggy as our captain,” said head coach Rick Tocchet. “He’s got all the qualities. He’s still learning, which is great.”

Forwards J.T. Miller and Elias Pettersson and goaltender Thatcher Demko were at the news conference as well, standing off to the side to show support for the new team captain.

The Canucks finished last season with a rotating cast of alternate captains after the team traded previous captain Bo Horvat to the New York Islanders mid-season.

Heading into the new season, Hughes said players are "hungry" and ready to prove themselves.

“I feel really confident. I feel like there’s a great stability and everyone knows what to expect,” Hughes said.

The defenceman becomes the 15th captain in the franchise's history.