The Detroit Red Wings‘ pursuit of Quinn Hughes was no joke. The Wings seemed like a logical fit given Hughes’ ties to Michigan. While the Hughes dream may be over for now, the fallout from the trade has provided interesting tidbits.
One stunning insight came from ESPN’s Greg Wyshynski. In a December 16 piece, the insider revealed the price the Red Wings were willing to pay for the former Norris Trophy winner.
Wyshynski wrote:
“The Detroit Red Wings made a pitch for Hughes, whose family relocated to Michigan around eight years ago. He also played for the University of Michigan and the U.S. National Development Team, which is headquartered in the state. Detroit captain Dylan Larkin is a friend. There was a thought that Detroit could acquire Hughes, extend him and then lure Jack there as a free agent in 2030. But for Detroit to match Minnesota’s offer, it likely would have taken defenseman Simon Edvinsson, the sixth overall pick in 2021; winger Michael Brandsegg-Nygard, selected 15th overall in 2024; either Marco Kasper or Nate Danielson, two young centers with a taste of NHL experience; and a first-round pick. The Red Wings reportedly balked at a portion of that package.”
Judging from the quote, the deal had progressed to the point where parting with Marco Kasper and/or Nate Danielson was too much for GM Steve Yzerman to stomach.
Think about it. Beyond Kasper and Danielson, the Red Wings don’t really have any young NHL-ready centers at this point. Brandsegg-Nygard would have been a tough price to pay, but doable.
Ultimately, the Red Wings had hesitations, and the deal fell through. Looking forward, the Wings might have been better off passing on the deal.
Red Wings Did Right Thing by Passing on Hughes
It’s easy to forget that the Red Wings are still technically in a rebuild. That term will likely fall when the Wings make the playoffs. Until then, the team can’t really afford to sacrifice any pieces.
If the Red Wings were close to a Stanley Cup, like the Edmonton Oilers, for instance, it would make sense. But Detroit isn’t anywhere close to that level right now. That’s why the Wings were better off passing on Hughes now, lest they sacrifice highly useful futures.
Hughes Would Be Much Better Fit in 2027 and Beyond
Let’s fast-forward two seasons. As it stands, Hughes is eligible for free agency in 2027. Assuming he doesn’t re-sign in Minnesota before that, Hughes would make much more sense for the Red Wings then.
During the 2027 offseason, the Red Wings would have much more cap space. According to PuckPedia’s projections, Detroit would have over $77 million available for the 2027-28 season. Of course, that total does not include contract extensions and free-agent acquisitions.
But the rising cap would allow the Red Wings to lure Hughes on a potentially lucrative deal. And the club would keep the players they would have otherwise traded away. That could make for a much better scenario for Detroit moving forward.
Missing out on Hughes stung Wings fans now. But the club might be much better off exercising patience.
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