The Vancouver Canucks have been a well-oiled machine this season, but that wasn't the case not long ago.
The BC organization failed to make the playoffs last year and finished the season ranked 22nd overall in the National Hockey League (NHL) with a record of 38-37-7.
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During the season, the Canucks even fired Bruce Boudreau, who was serving as the club's head coach at the time. In this context, the 69-year-old made a revelation that clearly showed that things were not going well in Vancouver at that time.
In fact, one member of the team wanted Boudreau to play defenseman Quinn Hughes at center.
“I won't say who, but someone within the Canucks organization wanted me to make Quinn Hughes the center last year,” he revealed on NHL Network on Friday. I refused to do it and said I will not make him a center. And they kept trying to convince me.”
Boudreau obviously made the right decision, as Hughes is in the running for the Norris Trophy, awarded to the NHL's best defenseman.
“I’m so glad I didn’t,” continued the man who won 617 games as a head coach on the Bettman circuit. First of all, he probably wouldn't have taken it very well. Second, he's having a receiver-worthy year [trophée] Norris.”
In 2023–2024, the Canucks captain scored 11 goals and 40 assists for 51 points in 43 games.