Vancouver Canucks defenseman Quinn Hughes is battling an injury that could keep him out of the 4 Nations Face-Off later this month.

Hughes has been the Canucks’ MVP this season — how have the rest of the NHL’s Norris-contending defencemen performed so far?

Hughes leads all NHL defensemen in points (59) and assists (45) and is third in goals (14). Among defenseman who have played at least 10 games this season, he’s fourth in average time on ice at 25:18, which would be second on the Team USA roster to Zach Werenski of the Columbus Blue Jackets (26:48).

The Vancouver Canucks are prudently trying to protect their most valuable player with Quinn Hughes only seeing a “slight” improvement in his undisclosed condition.

Vancouver Canucks superstar and reigning Norris Trophy winner Quinn Hughes is dealing with a lower-body injury and won't travel to face the San Jose Sharks on Thursday.

Hughes, dealing with an undisclosed injury, was seen skating before the Canucks' practice on Tuesday morning but left the ice before his teammates joined. He was sidelined for Sunday's 3-2 overtime loss to the Detroit Red Wings.

The 2023-24 Norris winner, Quinn Hughes, is putting together an incredible campaign. If the Canucks make the playoffs, he's a top-five MVP candidate, says Ken Campbell.