Canucks' Quinn Hughes out vs. Maple Leafs, 4 Nations status still uncertain

The Vancouver Canucks are still waiting for some good news on their captain.

Defenceman Quinn Hughes missed Saturday's game against the Toronto Maple Leafs and has missed the team's last three games with an undisclosed injury and hasn't suited up since Jan. 31.

According to Tocchet, the captain skated hard at practice on Saturday, and it will be a process to determine his availability for the 4 Nations Face-Off.

Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman confirmed on the Saturday Headlines segment of Hockey Night in Canada that the team is leaving the 4 Nations decision in Hughes' hands.

"The Canucks are leaving it up to him, and I've heard he's just agonizing over it," Friedman said. "Vancouver's situation is different than Pittsburgh (with Sidney Crosby). Pittsburgh is much lower in the standings, Vancouver is in the playoff race and I think he feels the pressure. I think he wants to play for Team USA as well and I think we get a decision either later Saturday night or Sunday before the teams go into Montreal."

He was named to the U.S. roster alongside his brother, New Jersey Devils forward Jack Hughes, but could choose to skip the tournament if the ailment persists.

"Obviously the next hours, whether it's 24 hours or 12 hours, the dialogue's gotta ramp up, we've got to figure this out," said Tocchet. "Cause, you know, the U.S. is going to have to name (a replacement) if he doesn't play. It's not like we have a few days, it's hours before the decision will be made."

The reigning Norris Trophy winner leads the league in scoring by blueliners with 59 points (14 goals and 45 assists) in 47 games this season.

Hughes is also Vancouver's leading scorer and has at least one point in each of his last eight games, with five goals and seven assists across the stretch.