Bruce Boudreau makes his thoughts known on impact of potential long-term Quinn Hughes injury for Canucks

Vancouver Canucks superstar defenseman Quinn Hughes is out week-to-week with an undisclosed injury. Head coach Rick Tocchet shared the injury news on Sunday with the media.

Hughes had been day-to-day and missed Saturday's 5-4 overtime loss to the Seattle Kraken. The injury appears to be more serious than initially thought.

The absence of Hughes will be difficult for the Canucks to overcome. Hughes leads the team with 42 points (eight goals, 34 assists) in 34 games. He was on pace for a career-best 101 points, which would surpass his previous high of 92 in 2023-24.

On Tuesday, former Canucks head coach, now TSN hockey analyst Bruce Boudreau, shared his thoughts on how the team will fare without the reigning Norris Trophy winner.

"I really think Quinn Hughes is as valuable to the Vancouver Canucks is as any player in the NHL," Boudreau said on TSN. "And I mean, I thought the last game that Canucks did a fine job for 54 minutes without him, but this is going to really hurt them if it's long term. He plays in every situation for the Vancouver Canucks. He's by far the best outlet passer to get these guys sprung for, whether it's breakaways, two-on-ones, or just getting your puck out of your own zone.

"So, I mean, like on the power play, he's the key. He's probably, in my estimation, I've said this many times, the best passer in the NHL right now. And I mean, without him, like you could survive without anybody for short periods of time. But when you read week to week, if that's longer than, two weeks, then things are bad."

It certainly would be a daunting task for the Canucks to remain above water should Quinn Hughes be out long-term.

Quinn Hughes was on track to win his second consecutive Norris Memorial Trophy

Quinn Hughes sits second among defensemen in the NHL in point scoring with 42, only behind Cale Makar, who has 45. His eight goals also ranked fourth in his position. He was making a serious bid to win the Norris Memorial Trophy for the second straight season.

Hughes' production is irreplaceable. He has 14 more points than any other Canucks player this season, along with logging the highest total ice time of 25:08 per game. The rest of the Canucks roster will have to step up their game to fill the massive hole that Quinn Hughes' absence leaves them with.

The Canucks will hope to do just that as they continue without their captain on Tuesday night against the Calgary Flames at the Scotiabank Saddledome. The puck drops at 9 p.m. ET.