Quinn Hughes Takes Home Prestigious ‘Most Exciting Player’ Honor Following End of Canucks’ Season
Although the Vancouver Canucks have wrapped up their 2024-25 NHL season, the excitement hasn’t come to a halt—especially for one of the team’s standout stars. Defenseman and team captain Quinn Hughes has been honored with one of the organization’s most beloved fan-voted accolades: the Pavel Bure Most Exciting Player Award.
Named after the electrifying former Canucks forward Pavel Bure, the award is bestowed annually upon the player who brings the most energy, flair, and excitement to the ice. In winning this distinction, Hughes not only earned fan admiration but also made franchise history. For the first time since the award’s inception, it has been awarded to a defenseman—an achievement that further elevates Hughes’ status among the elite players in team history.
This award marks yet another milestone in what has been a season full of recognition for Hughes. In total, he took home six team awards this year, underscoring the consistency, excellence, and excitement he brings to the organization night in and night out.
Throughout the 2024-25 season, Hughes played with a level of skill and creativity that mesmerized fans and opponents alike. Despite the Canucks’ season ending earlier than hoped, Hughes was a constant source of thrilling moments, thanks to his unique combination of speed, agility, and hockey IQ. Whether orchestrating a rush from the defensive zone, threading a long-distance pass to set up a goal, or executing a jaw-dropping spin move to elude forecheckers, Hughes delivered spectacular plays that made him a fan favorite across the league.
His skating remains one of his most defining traits—Hughes glides across the ice with an effortlessness that allows him to dictate the tempo of the game. Few players in the league, let alone defensemen, possess the ability to manage the flow of play as effectively as he does. His precise passing, combined with remarkable on-ice vision, makes him an elite playmaker capable of turning defense into offense in the blink of an eye.
Despite missing 14 games this season, Hughes still led the Canucks in scoring, demonstrating just how impactful he was whenever he suited up. Before the team’s final game of the season—a contest against the Vegas Golden Knights—he had already tallied an impressive 60 assists, bringing his season total to 76 points. These numbers solidified his place not only as the team’s offensive catalyst but also as one of the most productive blue-liners in the entire NHL.
Moreover, Hughes’ offensive contributions this season put him in the company of some of the most celebrated players in franchise history. His 60 assists matched the totals achieved by Henrik Sedin—widely regarded as one of the greatest Canucks of all time—in four separate seasons. In addition, Hughes tied Alex Edler’s franchise record for career points by a defenseman, placing him among the all-time greats on the Canucks’ blue line.
His inclusion in the exclusive list of Most Exciting Player Award recipients places him alongside past Canucks luminaries such as Elias Pettersson, Bo Horvat, Tony Tanti, and goaltender Roberto Luongo. Each of these players brought a unique energy and flair to the game, and Hughes has now carved out his own legacy among them—not only through his ability to excite the fans but by redefining what a defenseman can do in today’s NHL.
For Canucks supporters, watching Hughes throughout the season was a consistent highlight. Even during games where the team struggled or faced tough competition, Hughes delivered something special to look forward to. He not only gave fans reasons to cheer but also represented the future of the franchise with maturity and leadership that extended far beyond his on-ice performances.
His role as team captain has only added to his importance within the organization. Despite his relatively young age, Hughes has emerged as a leader—one who leads by example, both with his play and with his approach to the game. His work ethic, professionalism, and dedication to constant improvement have made him a cornerstone of the team’s long-term vision.
While the Canucks’ season has officially concluded, Hughes’ individual accomplishments continue to shine. The recognition he has received from fans with this award is a testament not only to his electrifying style of play but also to the emotional connection he has built with the fan base. His ability to create magic on the ice makes every game feel like an event, and his consistency ensures that fans are treated to thrilling hockey whenever he’s on the ice.
As Vancouver heads into the offseason and begins evaluating what’s next for the franchise, one thing is abundantly clear: Quinn Hughes is not only the present but also the future of the Vancouver Canucks. His performance this season, capped off with the Most Exciting Player honor, has further solidified his place as one of the league’s most dynamic and entertaining players.
With records matched, awards won, and countless highlight-reel moments delivered, Hughes’ 2024-25 season will be remembered not just for the points he tallied, but for the passion and excitement he brought to the game. He has proven that a defenseman can be just as thrilling as a top-scoring forward—and in doing so, he’s changed the narrative around what fans should expect from the back end.
Though the Canucks may not have reached the playoffs this time around, the buzz surrounding Hughes ensures that hope and enthusiasm remain alive in Vancouver. For fans, the anticipation of watching Hughes suit up again next season is already building. And for the league, his name is becoming synonymous with excitement.
