The Carolina Hurricanes are the latest team linked with a potential move for Vancouver Canucks defenseman Quinn Hughes. The superstar’s future with his current club is very much in the air at the moment. Although he is still under contract with the Canucks until the summer of 2027, Vancouver could opt to trade Hughes as extension talks stall.
So far, the Detroit Red Wings, New Jersey Devils, and Philadelphia Flyers have all been named as teams to be interested in the star. Nevertheless, this list just got a bit longer. The Fourth Period’s David Pagnotta is now reporting that Carolina and one of their Metro Division rivals are also in on the Hughes sweepstakes.
“We know the usual suspects,” Pagnotta said on December 10. “We’ll continue to hear more teams, I’m sure, as this progresses, but the latest two that I have are the Carolina Hurricanes and Washington Capitals.”
“I keep being told that Quinn Hughes and his agent hold all the cards in this at the end of the day, which, depending on who you talk to, some believe that’s the case, others say it’s the Canucks because they have full control.”
Carolina Hurricanes Have Money, Prospects, and NHL-Ready Players to Offer
GettyQuinn Hughes could be the most high-profile NHL player to be traded this season.
The Devils and Flyers have been the leading candidates to potentially acquire Hughes. This mostly comes down to direct ties to the blueliner. Both of his brothers currently play for New Jersey. Philadelphia’s head coach, Rick Tocchet, on the other hand, recently managed Hughes in Vancouver before switching teams in May.
While Hughes may have ties to these teams, the Canucks just want to get the best value for him. This is where the Canes could outshine other teams. According to Puckpedia.com, Carolina has the most current cap space of any true Stanley Cup contender. On top of extra cash, the Hurricanes also have a solid prospect pool, as well as NHL-ready players to trade.
Jim Rutherford, the Canucks’ president of hockey operations, has made it clear that he wants established young players in any potential deal. The Canes currently have a plethora of highly-rated players under the age of 26. Andrei Svechnikov, 25, may be the most likely option for Vancouver. The Russian was linked with a possible move away from Raleigh in November.
The Canucks could be interested in Alexander Nikishin as well. The Canes would certainly prefer to keep the dynamic rookie defenseman, but he is set to become an RFA in the summer. With Nikishin, Carolina already has four left-handed defensemen, like Hughes, and they may not want to make it five.
Vancouver’s Insistence on a Center Could Thwart Carolina’s Plan
There is, however, one key factor that could work against the Canes in the Hughes sweepstakes. Vancouver would love to bring in a top center at some point this season. Carolina is already dealing with issues at the position and cannot offer a significant player at the position.
If Rutherford insists on acquiring a center, the Red Wings might become the favorites to land Hughes. Detroit is one of the few teams around the league that has depth at the position. Potentially grabbing Hughes would obviously help the Canes, but it would not necessarily solve all of their problems. Carolina perhaps has bigger needs at the moment, including goalkeeping and an additional center.
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