The future of Vancouver Canucks superstar Quinn Hughes is among the biggest NHL headlines of the 2025-26 season. The blueliner only has one more year remaining on his $7.85 AAV deal. Vancouver would love to re-sign Hughes, but the two sides have yet to agree on a contract.
The longer the defenseman goes without a fresh deal, the more likely he will be dealt by Vancouver. Several teams, including the New Jersey Devils and Philadelphia Flyers, have already been linked with a move for Hughes. Nevertheless, NHL insider Elliotte Friedman has now claimed that the Detroit Red Wings have a clear advantage in the situation.
“The one thing that Detroit has that Philly doesn’t is – they have a center,” Friedman stated on Daily Faceoff’s Morning Cuppa Hockey. “I do think when I rank the teams, and I say who can do this and where would Hughes want to go, I would say Detroit’s very high on my list.”
“Can you see [Red Wings exec Steve Yzerman] not being interested in Quinn Hughes? Can you see Quinn Hughes not being interested in Detroit when the time comes? I think they’re very legit, and Detroit has centers, and centers that have been playing in the NHL… I think Detroit is a team to watch.”
Detroit Red Wings Have Assets that Could Help Bring in Quinn Hughes
GettyQuinn Hughes could be the marquee NHL player to be traded in the near future.
Friedman’s focus on Detroit’s centers is a crucial piece of the puzzle regarding a potential deal for Hughes. Vancouver, like many other clubs, has been desperate to have a true 2C in behind center Elias Pettersson. Detroit, unlike most teams, has quality depth at the position. As a result, the Red Wings could use their strength to help acquire a true star in Hughes.
The Canucks also prefer to get established young NHL players in return in any significant trade that they may make. Team president Jim Rutherford made this known in mid-November. The exec proclaimed that, although the club is struggling, they do not want to go through a full rebuild. “We’re not trading all these players for draft picks that may or may not end up playing someday,” said Rutherford.
While the Red Wings could offer the Canucks an NHL center, other teams do not exactly have this luxury. Instead, these clubs would likely prefer to give up a first-round pick and prospects for Hughes. According to ESPN, the Flyers have the seventh-best prospect pool in the NHL. Detroit’s assets, however, likely appear to be more appealing to Vancouver.
Red Wings may have to Include Star Center in Potential Deal for Hughes
In the aforementioned podcast, Friedman was careful not to name any specific Red Wings players who could eventually move to Vancouver. However, the insider did seemingly hint at Dylan Larkin possibly being in the mix. He made a point to say that Detroit’s “depth guys” at center would not entice the Canucks.
Nate Danielson may also very well be targeted by the Canadian club. Danielson, 21, is highly regarded in Detroit and seen as a top prospect for the future. The center was selected ninth overall by the Red Wings in the 2023 NHL draft.
Either way, Detroit will likely have to play the waiting game regarding Hughes. A trade is not necessarily expected to be struck any time soon. The Canucks could also wait until the summer of 2026 to make a decision regarding their superstar. Going this route, however, may result in the team receiving less value.
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