In a dramatic turn of events during a thrilling matchup in Ottawa, Vancouver Canucks' star defenceman Quinn Hughes was ejected in the first period for a controversial hit on Senators forward Josh Norris. The incident unfolded just over halfway through the opening frame when Hughes pushed Norris hard into the boards from behind, prompting immediate concern from fans and players alike.

Norris, visibly shaken and bleeding from the hit, temporarily exited the game but managed to return just minutes later, demonstrating remarkable resilience. In response to the severity of the incident, officials deemed it necessary to issue Hughes a five-minute major penalty for boarding, as well as a game misconduct—a rare but serious penalty that reflects the dangerous nature of the play.

At just 25 years old, Hughes has been a key player for the Canucks this season and had already racked up an impressive 19 points in 18 games, showcasing his skill as one of the league's top defenders. Meanwhile, Norris has been contributing solidly for the Senators, with eight goals and five assists over his first 19 games.

Despite the loss of their top defender, the Canucks fought valiantly to secure a 4-3 victory over the Senators, a key win that boosts their playoff aspirations early in the 2024-25 NHL season. This incident raises questions about player safety and the league's ongoing efforts to address dangerous hits—a subject of increasing importance among fans and analysts alike.

As the season progresses, all eyes will be on Quinn Hughes to see how he bounces back from this setback and whether the Canucks can maintain their momentum while navigating the challenges of the competitive NHL landscape. Stay tuned for updates as this story unfolds!