Canucks star passing Oilers' Leon Draisaitl as favourite for NHL Awards

Hughes was a big factor in last night's game as the star defenseman scored one goal and one assist in a sleepy affair against the Toronto Maple Leafs.

The Leafs appeared not to be prepared as the Canucks arrived the same day as the game which caused the team not to hold a practice.

It's clear that Hughes is having a great season even though the team is in turmoil with the ongoing feud between JT Miller and Elias Pettersson. Hughes has been outspoken towards his teammates and the organization as he is trying to find a way for the team to bridge the gulf and find a way to play without making a major trade.

According to nhl.com, Hughes has played 38 games, scoring nine goals with 38 assists for 47 points and is a + 15 with 25 penalty minutes.

The 29-year-old center has been playing some incredible hockey this year as he has taken his team on his back at times especially when Oilers captain Connor McDavid was lost to injury. He is a constant factor in every game offensively and his defensive game had his improved dramatically.

Through 42 games played, he has scored 31 goals with 32 assists for 63 points and is a + 26. It's safe to say that Draisaitl will make every effort to put his name on the ballot sheet for the Hart trophy as he has shown that he is one of the best players in the NHL currently.

If Draisaitl were to match his first half numbers with the second half, he is on pace for 62 goals 64 assists for 128 points. That would match his total in 2022-2023 but score 10 more goals then before.

Only time will tell on how this season will play out but with the Oilers comfortably in a playoff spot and showing no signs of drop off, it appears the Oilers and Draisaitl may be on their way to securing another playoff run.