Canucks' Hughes will return to Michigan next season

Quinn Hughes won't be turning pro just yet.

The Vancouver Canucks' first-round pick in this year's draft has announced he will return to the University of Michigan next season.

"My heart's obviously still at Michigan," Hughes told Steve Kornacki of MGoBlue.com. "I was heartbroken when we lost to Notre Dame in the Frozen Four last year. I've never really been on a team that cares so much about each other, and I think that's a big reason why I'm coming back, because I love my teammates.

"I think we have a good team this upcoming year, and I believe in the group. So, for me, I have a lot of goals in my mind. I want to be the best player in college hockey, and I want to win the national championship. I think we can do it with the group and the coaching staff we have, and we believe in each other."

Canucks management backed Hughes' decision to return to the Wolverines.

"We are in full support of Quinn's decision to continue his university career as he further develops as a hockey player and student," Canucks general manager Jim Benning said in a statement. "He now has an opportunity to be a leader at the University of Michigan and represent Team USA at the 2019 World Junior Championship in Vancouver.

"These are once-in-a-lifetime experiences that will only benefit Quinn's future career."

After collecting 29 points in 37 games in his first season with Michigan, the budding blue-liner also impressed against savvy veterans as part of the World Championship.

With Michigan, there is also the possibility that Quinn could play alongside his brother, Jack, a dominant center and the projected top pick in the 2019 NHL draft.

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