There could be an interesting development involving Quinn Hughes and the Vancouver Canucks. Insider Rick Dhaliwal said further Canucks talk that the organization has had conversations behind the scenes and believes internally that it may be better to trade Hughes this season – and not the next – if he doesn’t want to commit long-term.
Both hosts believe the return for Vancouver is much greater if they choose not to wait for a blockbuster trade. Don Taylor said he can’t imagine how much more the Canucks would get if they dealt Hughes this season. Dhaliwal believes the Canucks have already made that decision.
Taylor commented:
“I just can’t imagine how many trucks you would get for him again at that point, instead of doing what they often do, which is just wait and wait and wait until the bitter end. I just couldn’t imagine how valuable he would be to have them not just for half a season or a few weeks, but maybe for a season down the line.”
Dhaliwal added:
“If you get into a situation where he wants out, do it sooner rather than later. There are so many benefits to doing it sooner rather than later, and if you do it next year, it’s going to be a gong show… If you know, calmly go to him after the Olympics and say, ‘Hey, what are your thoughts? Do you see a Vancouver signature? Well no, I don’t, well okay, do you mind if we do the trade, instead of next year, if it could be a gong?’ to show?’
Finally, Dhaliwal noted:
“I do believe that internally they think it’s better to move him this year if, in all caps, he doesn’t want to commit to the franchise long-term, and maybe you’ll get more out of it this year than maybe next year…”
Canucks may be seriously considering a Hughes trade
The discussion gained momentum after columnist Gary Mason wrote that if the Canucks fall out of the playoff race in January or February, management needs clarity on Hughes’ future. If the chances of keeping him are slim, Mason argued, the sooner they explore a move, the better. Both hosts noted that Mason tends to be enthusiastic when he brings up these kinds of things.
Dhaliwal seemed to be under the impression that the Canucks don’t want any more drama. And if Hughes leaves, the fact that the captain is on his way means there’s a huge storyline about the leadership of the franchise. Swapping your captain during a contract year saga is not ideal. Doing it sooner will give everyone involved more stability.
Of course, none of this will happen unless Hughes indicates he doesn’t see a long-term future in Vancouver. He might be open to signing a new deal, in which case this is all a moot point. But the Canucks appear to be taking a clear stance: If the writing is on the wall, it’s better to act now than let the situation become a “gong show” next year.
Next: Insider Notes Canucks could trade Kiefer Sherwood despite breakout season
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