Vancouver Canucks head coach Rick Tocchet said the club will work closely with injured defenseman Quinn Hughes over the next few days to determine his status for the 4 Nations Face-Off.
Hughes was selected as one of the USA's first six players last summer, but he's currently battling an undisclosed ailment that's forced him out of Vancouver's last two games. He'll miss a third Thursday against the San Jose Sharks and is questionable for Saturday, the Canucks' last contest before the tournament.
"We'll sit down with Quinn and talk to him," Tocchet said, per NHL.com.
Tocchet added: "Depends on how close he is to playing on Saturday, that's what it comes down to. We're going to have to have a hard, long look at this. Like every player, you're concerned about safety and health."
Hughes is in the midst of another Norris Trophy-worthy campaign, leading the Canucks with 59 points in 47 games while averaging over 25 minutes of ice time. The 4 Nations Face-Off is Hughes' first opportunity to represent the United States at a best-on-best event, and it carries extra meaning as he's slated to be teammates with younger brother and New Jersey Devils star Jack Hughes.
"I know Quinn is a USA guy," Tocchet said. "Loves his country. Playing with his brother, there's a lot of positives to that, but he's a smart kid, too. He understands what's at stake."
The United States opens its tournament Feb. 13 against Finland.
