Trade speculation around Vancouver Canucks star defender Quinn Hughes was warmed up again when James Mirtle suggested in a recent Postbag column that he thought it was “unlikely” that the Canucks returned sufficiently during the 2025-26 season to convince Hughes to convince Hughes. Although there is no sign that there is any form of trade, the decision, if it ever has to be taken, can be monumental.
Trade could have serious consequences, not only for the teams involved, but also for the general managers themselves. If trade goes wrong, this may possibly mark the end of an NHL career for GM Patrik Allvin in Vancouver or President Jim Rutherford, depending on how the deal unfolds.
This is not a situation or trade that can get Vancouver wrong
Hughes, now recognized as one of the elite defenders of the competition, has two years on his contract. That is enough time for the organization to find out if he will stay and make plans if he is not.
Although they can be an underdog team, most analysts believe that it is unlikely that the Canucks will have to contend with the top teams in the Western Conference in 2025-26. If they are not in the mix, a player of the Hughes caliber has a lot to think about. Mirtle writes: “It feels of course to ask you about your future if this Canucks team will not break through and win.”
Related: Quinn Hughes to the Devils?: Scribes hints exchange a real possibility
The New Jersey Devils are reportedly in a position to meet Hughes’ contract and can make him a center on their blue line. Rutherford has already publicly discussed the idea that Quinn may become a member of his brothers Luke and Jack. The hint was that the team may already think about what that final trade could look like.
Making such a major trade entails a huge risk. If Vancouver does not receive a sufficient return, Allvin or Rutherford can be confronted with career-changing control. A misstep in asset management or a blunt in critical contract negotiations can cause them to be out of the city. A successful exchange, on the other hand, could convert a daring switch into a determining career moment, especially for Allvin. He has been considered the doll in the relationship by some, with Rutherford (the puppet player who pulls the strings).
The Hughes trade will be the most important trade in modern franchise history
Fans of Vancouver remember that they remember high-stakes transactions that defined the reputation of Front-Office, and a Hughes movement would not be different. It was big when the Roberto Luongo team took over. It was huge when they exchanged in the design to land both Sedin twins. However, the loss of Pavel Bure was that some fans never came across.
If the Canucks move Hughes and they do not get a game-changing return-the devils demonstrably forcing to pay too much for a player whose probably is already going to be seen as a loss.
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