Canucks' Hughes says he's healthy, ready for NHL debut

Vancouver Canucks stud prospect Quinn Hughes is feeling healthy and ready for his NHL debut once he's medically cleared.

"If I'm not 100 percent, I'm very close," Hughes said Wednesday. "Skating these past five days has been great. I'm ready when my number is called."

Hughes signed a three-year entry-level contract with Vancouver on March 10 but has been sidelined with a bone bruise after blocking a shot while still with the Michigan Wolverines.

Canucks head coach Travis Green said he hasn't confirmed Hughes' status with the club's medical team but is hoping the 19-year-old will be cleared to debut Thursday versus the Los Angeles Kings, according to The Canadian Press.

Vancouver drafted Hughes seventh overall in 2018, expecting him to be a franchise cornerstone on the blue line as the Canucks continue to rebuild. Hughes notched a team-leading 33 points in 32 games with Michigan this season.