Noise surrounding Quinn Hughes’ future with the Vancouver Canucks is not quieting down anytime soon. The superstar defenseman previously signed a six-year, $47 million contract with the team back in 2021. The current deal theoretically keeps the blueliner in Vancouver until the summer of 2027.
Nevertheless, Hughes has been linked with a move away from the Canucks for months now. Rumors in the offseason intensified after team president Jim Rutherford told reporters that Quinn eventually wanted to play with his brothers, Jack and Luke. The latter two Hughes brothers currently play for the New Jersey Devils.
Rutherford has now further addressed speculation regarding the issue. The Canucks exec was asked specifically about Quinn Hughes during a November 14 interview with Sportsnet’s Iain MacIntyre. The reporter inquired whether or not Hughes’ decision to ask for a trade would determine which direction the team goes.
“No, I don’t think so,” replied Rutherford. “I think as long as we stay the course and keep getting younger players that we feel will play (in the NHL) and contribute to a team that can become a consistent playoff team and a contender, then that’s what we would do.”
Vancouver Canucks Trying to Avoid Major Rebuild
GettyThe Vancouver Canucks are waiting to see if Quinn Hughes asks to be traded.
Rutherford’s comments regarding the Hughes situation hint that Vancouver wants to avoid a rebuild. This means that if the Canucks were to trade the star, they would want established young NHL players in return. The Devils, on the other hand, would likely prefer to center a potential trade around draft picks and older players.
Rutherford, however, has poured cold water on acquiring picks for his top players. “So a rebuild is not something that we’re going to look at doing,” continued Rutherford. “Like I said, we’re in transition. But we’re not trading all these players for draft picks that may or may not end up playing someday.”
Vancouver brass may want to start conversations with the Devils by asking about Nico Hischier. The talented center fits with what Rutherford is looking to bring in. Along with discussing Quinn Hughes with Sportsnet, the Canucks exec also talked about the need for a quality center on his team. Nevertheless, the Canucks likely do not have the leverage in the negotiations to be throwing their weight around.
Canucks Will Want Some of New Jersey’s Young NHL Talent if Trade is Made
Instead of Hischier, Vancouver will likely have to go a little further down the line in New Jersey’s depth chart. Dawson Mercer could very well be a possibility. Mercer, 24, is still young and yet to really hit his prime. The winger is also on fire to start the 2025-26 season with 16 points in just 17 games. This figure includes scoring nine goals, only one behind Quinn’s brother Jack for the team lead.
Outside of Mercer, targeting Simon Nemec may also be a possibility for the Canucks. The former second overall pick is finally settling in and showing why the Devils chose him over other prospects in the 2022 draft.
The 21-year-old blueliner has 12 points in 17 appearances in the 2025-26 campaign, which is already more than half of his career best in a season. Because Nemec is a blueliner, like Quinn Hughes, look for the defenseman to be at least discussed by Vancouver if trade talks do occur.
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