Quinn Hughes: I don't know if any rookie 'has been better than me'

Vancouver Canucks defenseman Quinn Hughes' confidence in his game is on full display both on and off the ice.

When asked if he should seriously be considered for the Calder Trophy, Hughes didn't hesitate.

"Yeah, for sure, I think so," he said, according to The Hockey News' Ken Campbell. "I'm not the one making the call, but, especially the last 30 games, I don't know if anyone has been better than me."

Hughes has mustered up six goals and 19 assists over his last 30 contests while averaging 22:19 of ice time. Only Chicago Blackhawks forward Dominik Kubalik has recorded more points (31) among rookies during that span, according to NHL.com.

The 20-year-old Hughes, who took home Rookie of the Month honors for February, currently leads all rookies with 51 points in 64 games. He's also tied with Washington Capitals defenseman John Carlson for the most points recorded among all blue-liners since Jan. 1 with 23.

"I haven't surprised myself because I thought I would do really well," Hughes added, according to Campbell. "I've been doing this my whole life, so why would I be surprised? At the same time, you think you're going to do well, but you never know how things are going to go. So, I'm humbled by that."

Hughes was taken seventh overall by the Canucks in the 2018 draft.

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