The discussion regarding the New Jersey Devils’ interest in Vancouver Canucks’ captain Quinn Hughes has been one of the worst-kept secrets in the NHL. While adding Hughes would certainly be atop the Devils’ wish list, the deal could actually come to fruition.
The chatter regarding the Hughes trade has focused on the Canucks’ asking price. Said asking price begins with a center. Vancouver is desperate for someone to play in their top six. Injuries have ravaged the club, while inconsistency hasn’t helped either. So, the asking price starts with a center.
However, the loss of Hughes also demands that the Canucks get a defenseman back. That’s not just any defenseman, but someone who could potentially fill in for Hughes, right now. That’s a tough sell considering that the Canucks don’t want futures. Vancouver believes it can contend now. That situation means the Devils would have to pay up to get Hughes.
It just so happens that the Devils have two pieces that the Canucks could want: A center and a defenseman.
As insider Nick Kypreos noted during an appearance on Sportsnet, the Devils have the pieces to make this deal work. Kypreos stated:
“The Canucks and Devils have been in contact before, going back to even last summer; Simon Nemec’s name is certainly out there along with Dawson Mercer, and any of New Jersey’s first-round picks.”
Mercer has been an intriguing piece for the Devils. With Jack Hughes out at the moment, Mercer has moved up into the top six. With Hughes healthy, Mercer falls to the bottom six. But the catch is that he is too good for the bottom six. As such, Mercer could be just what the Canucks could want in return.
Canucks Could Get Coveted Blueliner from Devils
One of the pieces discussed in return for Quinn Hughes has been Dougie Hamilton. Hamilton would certainly help offset the loss of Hughes. However, the Canucks are looking to get younger. So, the 32-year-old Hamilton isn’t exactly what the Devils might offer.
The blueliner that could entice Vancouver is Simon Nemec. Nemec is a former second-overall pick from the 2022 NHL Draft. However, Nemec hasn’t quite found his footing in New Jersey. Currently, he’s skating on the bottom pair with Dennis Cholowski.
As such, Nemec could become expendable, especially if the Devils add Hughes to the mix. That’s why Nemec could become a critical piece in the price New Jersey pays.
New Jersey Has Futures as Well
So, Nemec and Mercer are two pieces the Canucks could use right away. However, the Devils also have futures that could seal the deal. The most notable one would have to be 2024 first-rounder Anton Silayev.
The 19-year-old blueliner went 10th overall to the Devils. Thus, Silayev has the pedigree the Canucks could want. Also, former second-rounder Seamus Casey could be another interesting defensive prospect. He’s much closer to the NHL than Silayev.
Lastly, second-rounders Conrad Fondrk and Ben Kevan might also draw some interest. The second-rounders from the 2025 NHL Draft could round out the package for Hughes. They don’t project to be impact players at the NHL level. But they could play crucial depth roles.
The Canucks, ultimately, will want to get as much as they can. The more pieces they get, the better. So, the only question remaining will be fitting Hughes’ contract under the cap.
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