Hat-trick hero Jake DeBrusk makes his feelings known after Quinn Hughes breaks Canucks franchise record

Winger Jake DeBrusk made his feelings known about his teammate Quinn Hughes breaking the Vancouver Canucks' franchise assist record.

In the Canucks 5-4 overtime win over the Detroit Red Wings, captain Quinn Hughes recorded three assists, which made him the franchise's all-time assist leader, surpassing Alex Edler's record of 310 assists in 925 games.

DeBrusk was the top performer for the Canucks against the Red Wings, scoring a hat-trick and finishing the night with four points. When asked if Hughes' assist stole the hat-trick puck from him, DeBrusk said:

"Did he steal my hat-trick puck? Is that what I'm hearing? Honestly, that one could be his, yeah. Even playing against him, very few times, and playing with him this year, he's so skilled out there.

"I've never been with a player on the ice where whenever you're out there, you want to give him the puck, because he probably it's going to come back to you at some point in a better spot. He's just so skilled out there, and teams plan for him every single night," he added.

DeBrusk expressed his admiration for Hughes' early career success and dominance on the ice, adding a humorous touch by wondering if Hughes took the game puck too.

Hughes leads the Canucks in scoring with 28 points, through five goals and 23 assists, in as many games this season.

---

Canucks HC Rick Tocchet on Quinn Hughes' record

Vancouver Canucks coach Rick Tocchet shared his thoughts on Quinn Hughes breaking the franchise assist record. He praised the captain and noted that Hughes is still young and has many years ahead of him with the club.

"Well, it's an amazing feat, and he's still young, and he's still got a lot of years left with the Canucks, but, yeah, just an incredible, great milestone. Obviously, if not the best defenseman in the league, he's, he sure puts up a good argument."

Hughes was drafted seventh overall by the Canucks in the 2018 NHL Draft and has been with them for the last seven years. The 25-year-old defenseman is the reigning Norris Trophy winner as the best defenseman in the league.

Hughes and the Canucks travel to Xcel Energy Center to face the Minnesota Wild next on Tuesday. The puck drops at 8 p.m. ET. The Canucks (13-7-3) are third in the Pacific Division.