Quinn Hughes’ Vancouver Exit Looms After Rutherford’s Eye-Opening Remarks
The Vancouver Canucks’ 2024–25 NHL season ended in disappointment, with a 38-30-14 record and a playoff miss raising major questions about the team’s direction.
But the biggest shock came during President Jim Rutherford’s post-season press conference when he addressed the future of superstar defenseman Quinn Hughes:
“He’s mentioned before that he wants to play with his brothers. That part is out of our control. What we can control is whether we bring his brothers here.”
The hockey world quickly began speculating—not about Vancouver acquiring Jack and Luke Hughes, but rather about the possibility of Quinn heading to New Jersey.
NHL insider Chris Johnston fueled the fire with an alternative theory: What if the Devils are the ones making a push to reunite the Hughes trio?
Would Vancouver Actually Move Quinn Hughes?
At just 25 years old, Quinn Hughes is among the NHL’s elite defensemen, with two years left on a team-friendly contract ($7.85M AAV). His trade value has never been higher, making this an ideal time for the Canucks to consider a blockbuster deal.
Johnston and former NHLer Carlo Colaiacovo proposed a fascinating hypothetical trade on TSN Radio:
Jesper Bratt, Simon Nemec, and a first-round pick in exchange for Hughes.
It’s a hefty package, but one that reflects Hughes’ elite offensive skills, power-play dominance, and leadership.
For New Jersey, pairing Quinn with younger brother Luke would create one of the league’s most dynamic defensive duos. Add Jack Hughes’ offensive firepower, and the Devils could build a true “Hughes Dynasty”—a marketing dream and a potential long-term powerhouse.
For Vancouver, trading Hughes would mark the start of a retool. Acquiring a proven scorer in Bratt, a blue-chip prospect in Nemec, and a high draft pick could fast-track their rebuild.
Is this all just off-season speculation? Absolutely. But in today’s NHL, where big moves happen fast, don’t be shocked if this rumor gains serious traction in the coming months.
Image - Simon Fearn-Imagn
