Welcome back to the freshest version of NHL Rumours presented by us here at Last Word On Hockey. Today we travel to the Wet Coast and the land of the Vancouver Canucks. We will discuss one of their stars and what his prospective future may hold in store. So get in and buckle up.
Greg Wyshynski: Re Quinn Hughes: It’d be insane to let him walk; you could see the situation becoming like a Matthew Tkachuk, where…you know where it’s all headed…and make a deal before he leaves for nothing; it kind of feels like it’s trending that direction – Big Show
— NHL Rumour Report (@NHLRumourReport) July 10, 2025
NHL Rumours: Analyzing the Future of Vancouver Canucks Star Defenceman
Rumour: Today’s rumour from Greg Wyshynski is simply suggesting that something may happen, and it’s better to do something about it before it does.
Analysis: If Quinn Hughes is serious about leaving Vancouver (for the New Jersey Devils), the Canucks organization’s priority should be to maximize return.
There are a few layers to this discussion. First of all, the Canucks are always known for their drama. This is a perfect example of that exact thing happening. They’ve had internal controversy over the recent past. Between Elias Pettersson and J.T. Miller, and then onto Quinn Hughes, the stars may not be aligned. It just seems, to the hard-core, or even casual, observer there is a power struggle amongst the players. The organization seems committed to Pettersson. However, Hughes is a known top-tier star, and the club can’t afford to lose him. Or even have him not 100% happy, and not playing his best. If Hughes isn’t comfortable with the situation, whether that’s the team’s play or individuals in the locker room, who could really blame him for wanting to leave. The idea is, if that ends up as reality, the Canucks can’t afford to lose him for nothing.
The Personal Side of the Business of Hockey
The other side of it is he may want to play with his brothers. Jack Hughes and Luke Hughes both play for the New Jersey Devils. Furthermore, what person out there, much less Quinn, wouldn’t think it is cool to play with your brothers. If the opportunity is there, you’d have to consider it strongly.
We have seen similar situations in the past. In fact, the one good example is from Western Canada as well. When it was clear Matthew Tkachuk wouldn’t be re-signing with the Calgary Flames, management had to be responsible. They were able to flip Tkachuk to the Florida Panthers and acquire decent return, that included Jonathan Huberdeau.
So, that really becomes Vancouver’s reality in this situation for their star defenceman, Quinn Hughes. He’s currently set to become a free agent at 27 years old in the summer of 2027. If your general manager Patrik Allvin, you’d love to have him playing his best for your club for two full seasons. However, the fact of the reality is that the longer you leave it, the less your return is going to be in a major trade.
NHL Rumours and How to Finalize the Deal
For now, the Canucks have time on their side. Also, they can focus on the Devils as a target. The Canucks could focus on their star players, like a Nico Hischier, if they want the best return they can possibly get. Of course, you could always look for a broker. The Canucks should identify players that wants to commit long-term. If New Jersey isn’t exactly willing to part with their core, maybe a third team enters the equation.
Who knows what plays out. But it does seem like a superstar will be on the move in the next year or two. Will the Canucks just let him walk or will they back up their talk with action from Allvin?
Main Photo Credit: Bob Frid-Imagn Images
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