Hughes Brothers Dream of Reunion on Ice
The New Jersey Devils are no strangers to star power, but one name stands out for Jack Hughes: his brother, Quinn. During the NHL player-media tour in Las Vegas, the Devils’ star center expressed his strong desire to reunite with his brother, the Norris Trophy-winning defenseman, on the ice.
Jack’s Aspirations for Family Unity
In a candid moment with NHL insider Pierre LeBrun, Jack Hughes confirmed what many have speculated: he dreams of playing alongside both Quinn and their other brother, Luke, who is also a standout defenseman for the Devils. Jack and Luke have already formed a dynamic partnership in New Jersey since the Devils drafted Luke fourth overall in 2021. The prospect of all three Hughes brothers donning the Devils’ red and black has ignited the imaginations of fans, who have been hoping for a trade that would bring Quinn from the Vancouver Canucks to New Jersey.
But Vancouver fans share a similar dream, envisioning the Hughes brothers playing together in the Pacific Northwest. Both Jack and Quinn are locked into long-term contracts, adding another layer of complexity to the potential reunion.
Public Confirmation of the Dream
Jack candidly stated, “Honestly, I’m not afraid to say it. Yeah, I would love for Quinn to — eventually I’d love to play with him. Whether that’s in New Jersey or at what time that takes, at some point, I want to play with Quinn.” His words echo the sentiments of many fans who have long speculated about the possibility. He continued, “But yeah, that’s the question going around. They talk all day about it up in Vancouver, you know?”
The Trade Landscape
While the idea of Quinn Hughes moving to New Jersey may seem enticing, it comes with its own set of challenges. Quinn is under contract for two more years, and with his status as the reigning Norris Trophy winner, his value on the market is exceptionally high. At just 25 years old, he is entering the prime of his career, boasting an impressive 409 points in 433 NHL games — a remarkable tally for a defenseman.
The Devils, with approximately $6 million in cap space, could theoretically accommodate Quinn’s $7.875 million cap hit. However, making such a trade would likely necessitate parting with at least one, if not two, roster players. A potential package for Quinn would likely start with promising center Dawson Mercer, who is approaching his 24th birthday, and 21-year-old blueliner Simon Nemec, the second overall pick of the 2022 NHL Draft. Mercer’s $4 million annual salary and Nemec’s entry-level contract add complexity to the negotiations, especially considering that both players have shown significant potential in their young careers.
Contract Complications
Adding to the intrigue is the current contract situation involving Luke Hughes. As a restricted free agent, Luke is likely seeking a long-term deal similar to the eight-year, $64 million contract that Jack signed prior to the 2022-23 season. This standoff could further complicate the Devils’ pursuit of Quinn and the potential for a Hughes brother reunion in New Jersey.
In a league where family ties often fuel narratives, the possibility of the Hughes brothers joining forces in New Jersey remains a tantalizing dream for fans and players alike. The next moves in this complex situation will be closely watched as the hockey world anticipates what may come next for the Hughes family.
