Canucks take Michigan defenseman Quinn Hughes with No. 7 pick

Quinn Hughes, an 18-year-old defenseman who has played one season at the University of Michigan, was selected by the Vancouver Canucks in the first round of the NHL Draft on Friday night.

Hughes (5-foot-10, 175 pounds) has not officially announced that he will forego the rest of his college eligibility and turn pro, but it is expected that he will.

Hughes said he was "proud and excited" to be going to a Canadian hockey market.

"It's a dream come true," Hughes said. 

Hughes, a left-handed shot, had five goals and 24 assists in 37 games for the Wolverines this past season. The season before, playing for the U18 team in the U.S. National Development Program, had 10 goals and 43 assists in 65 games.

An elite skater and puck-handler, Hughes was No. 6 among North American skaters in the final NHL Central Scouting draft prospect rankings.