How Wild’s Quinn Hughes can help unlock Brock Faber’s full potential

The Minnesota Wild took a big swing over the weekend by acquiring Quinn Hughes from the Vancouver Canucks, with the defenseman making his debut with the Wild on Sunday. He fit in seamlessly, scoring a goal in the 6-2 win over the Boston Bruins, but what was even more noticeable was his impact on Brock Faber, who’s struggled for the last year or so. If Faber can find another gear alongside Hughes, the Wild’s blueline will be a threat to behold.

Jeff Marek asked Wild head coach John Hynes about Hughes’ impact on Faber on The Sheet.

Jeff Marek: “It seemed as if right away, Brock Faber had even more of a jump in his step in that game. Like I’m watching this and I’m thinking that Brock Faber is an elite defenseman, Brock Faber is awesome… Correct me if I’m wrong, but it seemed like like the presence of Quinn Hughes affected him right away. Am I just projecting that? Do I just want to see that or is that legit?”

John Hynes: “No, I think I think you’re right on that. For Brock in particular, but I think for the team to be able to add a player like Quinn, it really galvanizes the group and I think gives everyone a little bit extra pep in their step for the game. And then obviously with Brock playing with Quinn, watching the game live, but then going back through it this morning when you’re watching the clips, they had some good chemistry. Both of them are really good skating defensemen.

“What you see with Quinn is, I think his poise with the puck and his ability to help get out of the zone, it really helps [Faber]. And then I think as the game went on, you started to see Brock make some plays and the chemistry between the two of them I thought got better and better as the game went on.”

You can listen to the full interview here…