The future of Quinn Hughes in Vancouver is once again sparking NHL trade chatter, and at least one source suggests the Canucks may soon be forced to seriously consider a blockbuster move. With two years remaining on his contract and the team struggling to contend in the Western Conference, Hughes has become one of the league’s most intriguing future trade candidates.
James Mirtle of The Athletic writes:
“Maybe Vancouver surprises and has a huge bounce-back season that convinces their captain to stay. Feels unlikely to me, to be honest, but that’s their best-case scenario. Otherwise, they have to start contemplating what a blockbuster trade might look like and whether it’s all about futures.”
source – ‘NHL cap accrual explained, Quinn Hughes’ future and more: Mirtle mailbag, Part 2’ – James Mirtle – The Athletic – 08/21/2025
Is There Anything to the Hughes Trade Talk?
Mirtle is just the latest to note that Hughes might start evaluating his options if Vancouver fails to take the next step. “With huge question marks around Elias Pettersson and Thatcher Demko, the ceiling feels too low to compete with the real contenders in the West,” Mirtle wrote. He added, “If you’re Hughes, indisputably one of the best players in the league, it’s natural to wonder about your future if this Canucks team isn’t going to break through.”
The Canucks went through all sorts of drama last season. Logically, it’s fair to wonder if Hughes felt the pressure of that soap opera season and said, ‘Enough of that.’ He publicly stated how important it was that he remain a solid leader for the team, and as captain, no one is assuming he’s ready to quit on the club. However, unprovoked, President Jim Rutherford told the media that Hughes might have an interest in playing with his brothers.
It seemed like an odd thing to put out there, even if fans and media were ready to make their own assumptions and draw their own conclusions.
Is There Anything To the Devils’ Chatter?
New Jersey would be a natural fit, which Mirtle also points out. Even a high-value deal for Hughes would likely fit under the cap while leaving room to manage the rest of the roster. The Devils have been in the rumor mill, trying to make space to re-sign Luke Hughes. There has also been talk that Dougie Hamilton could be shipped out in a blockbuster move.
Related: Draisaitl, Hughes & Tkachuk Are the NHL’s Overlooked Stars
Of course, everything circles back to what Quinn wants. Is it his goal to make the Canucks a contender, and ultimately a championship team? Or, does Hughes have more interest in securing a long-term deal alongside his two brothers in the NHL? Jack and Luke, both in New Jersey’s system, would undoubtedly love to join forces with one of the best defensemen in the league. The Devils would make whatever room necessary to make it work.
And, if Rutherford is already throwing the idea out there, how long before people start assuming the two teams are having talks, even if just preliminary?
Don’t Expect a Hughes Trade Right Away
Even if we assume that there’s some truth to the speculation, it’s important to note that nothing is imminent. First, this Canucks team needs to see how their offseason changes affect their on-ice performance. If they get off to a hot start in 2025-26, the trade chatter might quiet down. Should they not, rumors will ramp up.
An underwhelming performance by Vancouver, and New Jersey’s flexibility make this one of the most closely watched trade situations in the NHL heading into the season. A blockbuster deal could be something that both teams start to consider mid-season and as the trade deadline approaches. Hughes has more time on his deal, so there’s no rush. That said, if this feels inevitable, the Devils will want to get Hughes on the roster sooner rather than later, taking advantage of his current contract before spending big money to keep him long-term.
