The Vancouver Canucks wrapped up a frustrating 2024–25 NHL season with a 38-30-14 record, missing the playoffs and facing serious questions about their future. But no one was expecting the post-season press conference bombshell from President Jim Rutherford regarding the team’s superstar defenseman: “He (Quinn Hughes) has said before he wants to play with his brothers. That would be partly out of our control. In our control if we brought his brothers here.”
The hockey world immediately started connecting dots, but instead of Jack and Luke Hughes being targeted by Vancouver, NHL insider Chris Johnston has tossed a different narrative into the ring: what if New Jersey is the one planning to reunite the Hughes brothers?
Would the Canucks Really Trade Quinn Hughes to the Devils?
Quinn Hughes, 25, remains one of the top defensemen in the NHL and has two years remaining on an extremely team-friendly deal with a cap hit of $7.85 million. His value has never been higher. If the Canucks were to entertain trade offers, now would be the time.
Johnston and former NHLer Carlo Colaiacovo floated an intriguing mock trade on TSN Radio that caught the attention of fans and media alike: Jesper Bratt, Simon Nemec, and a first-round pick for Quinn Hughes. It’s a steep price, but it reflects Hughes’ elite puck-moving ability, power-play quarterbacking, and leadership qualities.
From a New Jersey standpoint, adding Quinn to the defensive core alongside his brother Luke would give them one of the league’s most dynamic blue lines. With Jack Hughes already leading the offense, the narrative of a “Hughes Dynasty” in New Jersey could sell jerseys and bring long-term success.
From the Canucks’ side, moving Hughes would signal a shift toward a retooling phase. Getting a proven scorer in Bratt, a future star in Nemec, and a high pick could accelerate a roster reset.
Is this all just speculation? Yes. But in today’s NHL landscape, rumors often have more legs than we think. Don’t be surprised if this fantasy deal inches closer to reality this summer.
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