Red Wings Focus on Quinn Hughes as Canucks Face Crucial Season
The Detroit Red Wings are reportedly monitoring the future of Vancouver Canucks captain Quinn Hughes closely. This season is pivotal for the Canucks, as their failure to secure a playoff spot could significantly impact their efforts to retain Hughes when he becomes eligible for an extension in July. Although Hughes is under contract until the end of the 2026-27 season, his potential to sign a new deal looms large, especially if the Canucks fall short this year.
Canucks’ Decision-Making Dilemma
As the season progresses, the Canucks face tough decisions. Hughes, a cornerstone of the franchise, holds the power in negotiations. General manager Jim Rutherford emphasized the importance of Hughes to both the team and the city, acknowledging the ongoing discussions surrounding the player’s future. “Obviously, Quinn’s future is so important to this franchise and this city,” Rutherford remarked. “Everybody is aware of it. Everybody will talk about it until we get dizzy. But he doesn’t have to make a decision yet. And sometimes in life, you think something one month and something else the next.”
This sentiment highlights the delicate balance the Canucks must maintain. While Hughes is bound by contract and will continue to play for the team, the direction of his future—specifically regarding an extension—remains solely in his hands. However, the Canucks possess some leverage, as Hughes does not have a no-trade clause. Should he choose not to extend his contract, the organization could opt to trade him, ensuring they secure a deal that benefits their long-term strategy.
Past Regrets and Future Opportunities
Interestingly, the Red Wings’ interest in Hughes can be traced back to a significant decision made during the 2018 NHL Draft. At that time, Detroit held the sixth overall pick, while Vancouver followed closely behind at seventh. The Red Wings selected Filip Zadina, a forward from the QMJHL. Zadina has since played five seasons in the NHL, totaling 262 games and scoring 91 points before pursuing a career in Europe in the 2024-25 season.
In stark contrast, the Canucks selected Hughes, who has spent his entire seven-year career with Vancouver. Over that span, he has played 433 games and accumulated an impressive 409 points. In fact, Hughes’ performance during the 2023-24 season alone—where he posted 92 points—outstripped Zadina’s total career points.
Ben Kuzma aptly captured this misstep, noting, “They somehow passed on Hughes, whose emerging game of sublime skating and laser-like passing was already drawing comparisons to Bobby Orr, to select winger Filip Zadina sixth overall.” This historical context adds an intriguing layer to the Red Wings’ potential pursuit of Hughes should the Canucks find themselves in a position to trade their star defenseman.
The Competition Heats Up
As the season unfolds, the Red Wings could find themselves as key players in any potential trade involving Hughes. However, they might face competition from teams like the New Jersey Devils, who could also express interest in acquiring the talented defenseman. The situation remains fluid, but the stakes are undeniable as both Hughes and the Canucks navigate a critical season that could shape the future of the franchise—and potentially the Red Wings as well.
