Vancouver Canucks injury update: Latest on Quinn Hughes and Elias Pettersson's availability today against Kraken

Vancouver Canucks defenseman Quinn Hughes and center Elias Pettersson have been ruled out of Saturday's game with undisclosed ailments, head coach Rick Tocchet confirmed. The Canucks will now be without two of their most important players for their matchup on Saturday afternoon against the Seattle Kraken.

The star players were considered doubtful heading into Saturday's action, so it's not surprising to see them ruled out.

Pettersson only played one shift in the third period of the Canucks 4-3 win over San Jose on Monday. This, along with missing the first practice after returning from the Christmas break, certainly raises concerns in regards to their health moving forward.

Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman reported the news on X, along with a stat provided by Sportsnet 650's Joey Kenward:

"VCR coach Rick Tocchet said Quinn Hughes and Elias Pettersson won't play this afternoon vs SEA. Per @kenwardskorner: Canucks last played a regular-season game without them two days prior to Hughes' NHL debut.

This will be a pretty unfamiliar territory for the Canucks and their fans to be without the services of Quinn Hughes and Elias Pettersson. It's been a tumultuous few weeks for the Canucks. We will have to wait and see whether Hughes and Pettersson's injury stints will be short or long-term.

Quinn Hughes and Elias Pettersson lead Vancouver Canucks in scoring this season

Quinn Hughes and Elias Pettersson's absence will undoubtedly be felt by the Vancouver Canucks. Hughes, the Canucks captain, leads the team in points by a wide margin with 40 points (eight goals, 34 assists), while Pettersson sits second in points with 28 (10 goals, 18 assists).

Hughes' tremendous start to the 2024-25 campaign had him as a favorite to win his second straight Norris Memorial Trophy. Despite Pettersson's inconsistencies, he remained productive, particularly on the power play where he's potted five of his 10 goals on the season.

The Canucks will now rely on J.T. Miller, Brock Boeser, Conor Garland and Jake DeBrusk to provide more offense. Vancouver is also without its second most productive defenseman Filip Hronek, so the offense from the blueline could be hard to come by.

The shorthanded Canucks take the ice without Hughes and Pettersson at home at 4 p.m. EST.