Vancouver Canucks star defenceman Hughes a game-time decision vs. Montreal Canadiens

By The Canadian Press on January 6, 2025.

Vancouver Canucks' Quinn Hughes waits for a faceoff against the Tampa Bay Lightning during third period NHL hockey action in Vancouver, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2024. The injury-plagued Canucks may get a crucial piece back in their lineup when they visit the Montreal Canadiens on Monday. Hughes may be in the lineup.THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darryl Dyck

VANCOUVER – The injury-plagued Vancouver Canucks may get a crucial piece back in their lineup when they visit the Montreal Canadiens on Monday.

Canucks head coach Rick Tocchet says star defenceman Quinn Hughes is a “game-time decision” for the matchup.

Hughes has missed four games with an undisclosed injury but practised Sunday and took part in an optional pre-game skate in Montreal on Monday.

The 25-year-old American won the Norris Trophy as the NHL’s top defenceman last year and leads the Canucks (18-12-8) in points with eight goals and 24 assists this season.

Tocchet says he does not expect centre Elias Pettersson (undisclosed) or goalie Thatcher Demko (back spasms) to be back in the lineup against the Habs.

Vancouver also placed winger Dakota Joshua (undisclosed) on the injured-reserve list Monday and recalled forward Jonathan Lekkerimaki from the American Hockey League’s Abbotsford Canucks on an emergency basis.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Jan. 6, 2025.