Vancouver Canucks fans are still coming to terms with last week’s blockbuster trade that saw captain Quinn Hughes dealt to the Minnesota Wild.
Hughes was the undisputed best defenceman in franchise history and was arguably the heart and soul of the Canucks. While speculation about his future with the team had ramped up in recent weeks, it still felt like a long shot that he would actually be dealt.
Yet, on Friday night, the unthinkable happened, and Hughes’ tenure in Vancouver came to an end. Much has been said about Quinn’s willingness to remain with the Canucks long-term after his current deal expires. The trade marked the end of an era in Vancouver, with Canucks President Jim Rutherford finally admitting that the team is in the midst of a rebuild.
That doesn’t mean Hughes didn’t enjoy playing in Vancouver, as the former captain penned a heartfelt farewell message to fans on Saturday night.
“I am very proud to have played for the Vancouver Canucks for seven years,” wrote Hughes. “I loved the passion of the city, and it brought me some of the most exciting times of my life, living out my dream.
“What makes playing in Vancouver so special is the people, the city, and what the team means to them! I will always be proud to have represented the Canucks!”
Hughes endured some tough times throughout his seven seasons with the Canucks. He missed the playoffs a total of five times, but also had a couple of exciting playoff moments with the club. That included a pair of runs to Game 7 of the second round, where they suffered heartbreaking losses to the Edmonton Oilers in 2023-24 and the Vegas Golden Knights in 2019-20.
As of Sunday morning, it seems like the Canucks are destined to miss the playoffs once again, sitting dead last in the entire NHL with a dismal 11-17-3 record and 25 points.
Hughes also thanked a handful of people in his message and expressed his excitement to join the Wild.
“I want to thank [Canucks owner] Francesco Aquilini and the entire Aquilini family for everything they have done for me the last seven years; they have been first class, and I will always be grateful for them,” Hughes wrote. “Thank you to Jim Rutherford and Adam Foote for their belief and mentorship. All the staff over the years for always being there for me. Thank you to my teammates, met some of my best friends.
“In saying that, I am ready for this next chapter, and I couldn’t be more excited to be in The State of Hockey! See you tomorrow, Minnesota!”
Hughes is set to make his Minnesota debut on Sunday against the Boston Bruins. The Wild do not have any more games scheduled in Vancouver this season, which means that fans will need to wait until next year to welcome back their former captain.
The Canucks, however, will visit the Wild for a game in Minnesota on April 2.