The Vancouver Canucks traded defenseman Quinn Hughes to the Minnesota Wild on Friday, but not before turning down a trade offer from the New Jersey Devils. Ultimately, the Canucks get Marco Rossi, Zeev Buium, Liam Ohgren and a first-round pick.
According to a report from NHL insider Pierre LeBrun“When I heard that the New Jersey Devils made what they believed was a strong initial offer to Vancouver for Quinn Hughes, but it clearly didn’t generate enough traction.” It’s not reported what the Devils were trying to put together, but one could assume that Jesper Bratt, Simon Nemec, a first-round pick, and more would have been part of the discussion.
LeBrun added: “Obviously a lot of teams called as Vancouver thoroughly explored the market, but I was told the Canucks received bona fide trade offers from six teams for Hughes. As mentioned, including NJ. But this explains the quality of returns from Minnesota.”
The Canucks may or may not have given the Devils the opportunity to increase their offer, but it is believed that the Devils also understand that they have a good chance of signing Hughes in free agency, assuming the Wild are unable to get an extension done.
Chris Johnston commented”The #MNWild can’t extend Quinn Hughes until July 1, but they have a great tool in their back pocket to make it happen: they’ll be the only team that can sign him to an 8-year contract with a front-loaded structure including unlimited signing bonuses before the CBA rules change on September 15.
Michael Russo reports: “No guarantees have been given to the Wild that Hughes will extend next summer, according to sources.”
Did Hughes want to go to New Jersey?
While the Devils were considered the favorite in every trade discussion, there were also reports that Hughes was well aware that visiting New Jersey will hurt Luke Hughes’ (his brother) chances of becoming a No. 1 defenseman and a power play quarterback. The last thing Quinn wants is to hinder Luke’s progress within the organization.
The Devils are rumored to have different names. Hughes was at the top of their list, but they have also been linked to Steven Stamkos and Ryan O’Reilly of the Nashville Predators.
As for why the Canucks chose the Wild’s offer, there’s a lot to like for Vancouver. David Pagnotta reports: “Marco Rossi had been linked to the Canucks since last season, tied to talks with Pettersson and again prior to the June Draft when Vancouver turned down an offer for him. The Canucks check off a lot of boxes in this move by adding Rossi (2C), Buium (LD), prospect/youngster and a 1st.”
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