The more the Vancouver Canucks question their future with Quinn Hughes, the more excited the New Jersey Devils should be.
As rumors continue to swirl of the Canucks captain’s future, the speculation grows on whether Quinn will join the Devils.
In a recent report by Canucks insider, Rick Dhaliwal, it was explained that Vancouver feels if they don’t get a commitment—at least verbally, as he’s not eligible to sign an extension until July 1st—to the franchise, they may have to move him sooner than later.
“I do believe that they internally do think that it’s better to move him this year if—capital letters ‘IF’—he doesn’t want to commit to the franchise long term,” Dhaliwal explained.
That’s certainly a loaded report.
After comments by Canucks President, Jim Rutherford, explained Quinn would like to play with his brothers, Jack Hughes and Luke Hughes, everyone’s drawn a line between the Devils and Canucks.
And if Quinn Hughes becomes available, and you’re a desired destination, you certainly do what you can to make it happen.
The Devils are loaded with assets to make it work, too. Simon Nemec is having a breakout season. Certainly, the ask could start with him. The Devils also have plus prospects such as Seamus Casey, Anton Silyev, and Mikhail Yegorov in their pipeline. Plus, they own their 2026 first-round pick.
One roadblock the Devils will face in trying to make this work is cap space. They’re projected to have $2,679,793 in NHL trade deadline space, while Quinn comes with a $7.85 million average annual value for this season and next.
Dougie Hamilton‘s name is one that continues to come up in NHL trade rumors, as the Devils seemingly at least took inventory on suitors over the summer.
Ondrej Palat is another contract the Devils could look to offload to clear $6 million in cap space.
Quinn’s arrival would certainly catapult the Devils from bubble Stanley Cup contender to Stanley Cup threat. However, they do have a need up the middle, as the center position is evidently thin.
Regardless, it’s something to keep an eye on as we inch closer to the trade deadline in March. Perhaps, the Hughes Triforce could be united after all.
James is the New Jersey Devils beat reporter for New Jersey Hockey Now on Sportsnaut and the PHWAs New … More about James Nichols