Why Did Vancouver Fans Turn on Former Captain Quinn Hughes in a Shocking Wild Debut?

Hughes scored off a rebound on a power player midway through the second period to make it 3-0, and set up Kirill Kaprizov’s NHL-leading 13th goal early in the third for a 4-0 advantage. In 13 games this season, Hughes has three goals and 13 assists.

“He was pretty dominant again tonight, especially the second half of the game,” Canucks defenseman Luke Schenn said. “So, obviously they’re booing him, but at the end of the day I think everyone is proud that he was once a Canuck.”

Hundreds of people — many clad in Canucks jerseys emblazoned with Hughes’ name and No. 43 — stood around the glass ahead of warmups, hoping to get a glimpse of the star American defenseman. One held a sign reading “And I thought I had commitment issues.” More boos rained down when Hughes’ name was mentioned on the big screen ahead of puck drop.

Fans vocally expressed their displeasure once again as a tribute to the blue liner began on the big screen during the first TV timeout. The boos transformed into a mixed review, with whistles and clapping, and some in the crowd standing in ovation.