The Zetterberg Era
Ball Hockey Sucks
I am probably remembering the DET version of Rafalski. That might be one. But Rafalski was listed at 190, and Hughes is listed at 170. So he might have to put on some weight to get to that kind of level.
The guy I was thinking of is Ryan Ellis, who can legitimately handle tough assignments as a small guy. But he is a hell of a lot more physical and gritty than Hughes is.
He also spent his 20-21 year old split between Milwaukee and Nashville, spent his 21-22 year old seasons split between Milwaukee and Nashville, spent his next season predominantly on the bottom pairing. split his next season between the bottom pair and second pair then elevated into that top 4 role permanently. So yeah Hughes has approximately four seasons to start meeting your expectation. I also think he starts this journey as a far better defensive player than Ryan Ellis. Honestly I expect him to be better in his own zone because of the way he gaps up and uses his skating to close and angle guys off. You are already seeing that in year 1. He doesn't need to be gritty, he needs to play his game and limit chances. He does that by controlling the play and by quickly averting danger in his own end once he retrieves the puck or scrambles the puck free.My guess is in the player polls you're about to start hearing how hard he is to forecheck soon from guys around the league. It isn't that don't want to or aren't trying to he just doesn't let it happen often.
I am sure he will have moments where guys take advantage of his size. I don't think they are going to be regular occasions, no more than other slight guys that yes also get taken advantage of from time to time. Quinn Hughes is winning more often than he is not in those because he is smarter and faster than the dude challenging him.