The Vancouver Canucks are not hiding the fact that they’re willing to punt on this season. News broke out Tuesday that the club is willing to listen on all of their impending UFAs this season. The list is rather extensive, signaling Vancouver is beginning to accept the harsh reality of this year.
But there’s one major name caught up in the midst of the conversation: Captain Quinn Hughes. The 2024 Norris Trophy winner will be eligible to sign an extension on July 1, 2026. But the likelihood of that happening decreases with each Canucks loss.
The team is floundering and likely heading towards a rebuild. The club hopes it can stave off the worst part of a retool/rebuild. But there’s no assurance that Hughes will want to stick around for it.
That situation prompted insider Darren Dreger to elucidate on what the Canucks will do regarding this captain. During an appearance on TSN’s Inside Trading from November 25, Dreger noted the Canucks will “revisit” the Hughes situation in the offseason.
He stated:
“If the season doesn’t improve, then as you get closer to the deadline, perhaps all bets are off, and you have to revisit Hughes’ future in Vancouver, either at the deadline or at the offseason.”
That comment entails a major admission. The Canucks won’t likely trade Hughes this season. But if a trade is coming, it will likely happen at the deadline or during the offseason. As such, Hughes could be saddled with playing out a very tough season in Vancouver in 2026.
While there is no shortage of suitors for Hughes, the fact is that the Canucks will hold their breath in hopes of turning things around. If that doesn’t happen this season, the club will hope Hughes can buy into signing an extension.
Short-Term Extension Best Canucks Can Hope For
While the Canucks would love to sign Quinn Hughes for the long haul, that’s somehow unlikely. The most plausible outcome would be a short-term extension, similar to what Connor McDavid for the Edmonton Oilers this season.
A short-term deal would signal the Canucks have a razor-thin window to return to contention. But what if the Canucks can’t assure Hughes that will be the case? Could Hughes’ camp for the Canucks to trade him?
One would have to think that’s a conversation Vancouver management and Hughes’ camp could have at some point. The team has to know if Hughes is willing to re-sign. Otherwise, the Canucks may have no choice but to trade Hughes or else risk losing him for nothing.
Impasse to Continue in Vancouver
So, taking Dreger’s cue, things are unlikely to change in Vancouver this season. The Canucks won’t be making any earth-shattering moves this season. In part, it’s the wide-eyed optimism the team’s management holds for this season.
But on the other hand, it could be a case of denial. The Canucks haven’t come to grips with the fact that they could lose Hughes, plus hurtle into a rebuild. That combination could be too much for fans to take.
For the time being, Hughes’ situation will remain at an impasse. Unfortunately, the Canucks have very little leverage in this entire ordeal. So, it seems GM Patrik Allvin is stuck between the devil and the deep blue sea. The club will have to take its pick sooner or later.
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