NHL Rumors: Some fallout following Quinn Hughes trade to the Wild
Despite reports from Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman on Saturday Headlines stating that the Canucks were told by Quinn Hughes and his agent Pat Brisson around Thanksgiving in the US that he would not re-sign if he became eligible on July 1, 2026. However, more information is coming out that suggests the Canucks knew as early as last season, if not longer, that he wouldn’t re-sign.
Rutherford clarified that the indication he received a year and a half ago was more of a feeling than anything else. But in the offseason, they were informed by Quinn’s camp that it was highly unlikely he would stay here. #Canucks
— Farhan Lalji (@FarhanLaljiTSN) December 13, 2025
Vancouver knew this past offseason, despite extending Thatcher Demko and re-signing Brock Boeser, that the writing was on the wall that Quinn Hughes wouldn’t stay. General Patrik Allvin relented i.e. after the transaction was executed. Hughes’ eldest brother said all the right things about his focus this season. You’ll have to know my answer before July 1, and this season will determine his future in Vancouver.
Behind the scenes, the Canucks were preparing for his departure. They didn’t want to use the word “rebuild” while Quin Hughes was there or he would be gone for good. Remember, President of Hockey Operations Jim Rutherford made it clear in January of this year that if the Canucks were to rebuild, Quinn Hughes would be gone.
“If we were to start all over again, that means he’s going, and we’d like to figure out a way for him to be here forever,” Rutherford told the Globe and Mail.
NHL Rumors: Minnesota Wild went all-in on Quinn Hughes. Can they keep him?
He continued that on the 100 Percent Hockey Podcast with John Shannon on May 2, 2025, that if Quinn Hughes stayed, he would move him.
“We control him for a year and two-thirds because if we hit that trade deadline in two years and it looks like he doesn’t want to stay, then we would have to do something,” he said. Rutherford said.
Shortly afterwards, Rutherford famously said that Quinn Hughes wanted to play with his brothers. So he knew in May that his captain wasn’t and still tried within their power to keep him there, but the losses hit him.
“During the offseason it was indicated that it was very unlikely that he would sign an extension here because he wanted to be closer to his family and his brothers. At that point I was 100% sure that there was no chance of me changing my mind,” Rutherford told the media in Vancouver after the transaction.
Rutherford clarified his statements about Quinn Hughes he wanted to play with his brothers and said Hughes wanted to be closer to them, and at some pointUnpleasant play with them. But the organization knew, and all he needed was an OK of ownershipforcing him to move the franchise-altering defenseman from Vancouver to begin rebuilding.
NHL Rumors: Quinn Hughes is open to staying in Minnesota
And the Canucks have handled the situation with class and professionalism, as Quinn Hughes’ agent Pat Brisson told the media. While anyone can see that the player didn’t have trade protection, this was another case where the team treated him as if he did. It was the unofficial official trade protection.
Just look at what’s going on with the Nashville Predators and Ryan O’Reilly. General Manager Barry Trotz treats him the way he does, so Rutherford, Allvin and the Canucks kept Quinn and Pat Brisson in the loop the entire time.
All parties were aware of all offers on the table. So, despite messages saying the Canucks couldn’t wait until July 1 because his agent would get involved isn’t entirely accurate. They had to be part of the process because the player wanted them to be be happy wherever he went.
Russo: Quinn knew the packages and what was offered (by other teams)
— Taj (@taj1944) December 16, 2025
Although his agent and the player were not fully involved in the process, they knew the destinations. It is clear that everyone is getting to work the case of the New Jersey Devils for not having the cap space to close the deal. And despite their offers of Dawson Mercer, Anton Silayev and Simon Nemec, it still hasn’t worked out for Vancouver.
However, everyone knew he was leaving, but the process only accelerated when the memo went out to the other 31 teams. The Canucks are now looking to the future. As the rebuild is underway, more transactions will move out of Vancouver.
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