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He played 10 minutes in the frame and led all skaters with over 27 minutes for the game. And he was everywhere, making plays, keeping pucks alive, driving the offence with his magical skating.

The States have just been so-so thus far but Jack Hughes, Quinn’s brother and the projected first pick in this summer’s NHL draft, is expected to return either Monday against the Finns or for the playoff round. Wouldn’t count the young Americans out just yet.

As for Quinn, the only criticism is he’s tried to do too much when his team has trailed. He’s also trying things here he’ll never get away with at the NHL level but he’ll figure it out because, on top of everything else, he’s a smart kid.

The larger impression of the University of Michigan defenceman, in fact, is a blue-chip talent who already carries himself like a pro. The minute he joins the Canucks he becomes one of the best skaters in the NHL. And the faithful can start getting excited about a power play which has Hughes up top feeding Brock Boeser and Elias Pettersson on either side with Bo Horvat working down low.

Very excited.

Photo by Kevin Light / PNG

• Judd Brackett, the Canucks’ director of amateur scouting, might not be the most objective source on the subject but he’s been evaluating players for a while.

Here’s what he says about Quinn Hughes: “He’s the best skater I’ve ever seen.”

• One more entry from the Hughes’ file. During a quiet chat with Hughes we talked about his two years living with Keith and Brady Tkachuk at the U.S. National Team Development Program.