Quinn Hughes Might Be Key to Team USA’s Olympic Success
If you’re watching Team USA at the Olympics, it’s hard not to notice Quinn Hughes quietly dominating from the blue line. Hughes isn’t just holding his own—he’s carrying the team in a way most defensemen can only dream of. According to The Athletic, Hughes isn’t just holding his own—he’s carrying the team. His net rating sits at a massive +18.6, driven almost entirely by his mind-blowing offensive output (+18.1 off the charts!) while still holding his own defensively (+0.6). That’s rare for a guy who’s constantly joining the rush, quarterbacking the power play, and making plays that make the NHL’s toughest forwards look ordinary.
The gap between Hughes and the other Team USA blueliners is offence.
Compare Hughes to other top U.S. defensemen like Jaccob Slavin (+10.2) and Jake Sanderson (+9.7). Slavin is rock-solid defensively with a +6.5 rating there, and Sanderson is similar at +6.1, but the gap in offensive firepower is huge. Hughes can generate plays and points at a rate that essentially boosts the entire lineup’s ceiling. Beyond the stats, it’s his ability to transition the puck quickly and consistently put the forwards in scoring positions that really makes him a game-changer.
The tricky part for the U.S. coaching staff will be using Hughes smartly. He’s an engine, but he’s also logging huge minutes and taking big risks joining the rush. Overdo it, and fatigue or mistakes could creep in. The key is to pair him strategically with a partner who can stabilize the defensive zone when he’s bombing forward, lest he cannibalize without fear of retaliation. That’s where the depth starts to matter. After Hughes, defensive production starts to taper—Brock Faber (+6.6) and Charlie McAvoy (+5.4) are solid, but not in Hughes’ stratosphere. Keeping him fresh for key moments could be the difference between a strong run and an early exit.
The bottom line for Hughes and Team USA.
Hughes is the engine that could drive Team USA deep into the tournament. His combination of offensive creativity, playmaking, and respectable defensive play makes him the linchpin. The rest of the defence has to hold up, sure, but if Hughes can keep carrying at this pace without burning out, Team USA might have a secret weapon hidden right in plain sight.