The New Jersey Devils are emerging as serious contenders for Vancouver Canucks captain Quinn Hughes. Recent insights suggest that the Canucks may be open to trading Hughes sooner than anticipated. This could present a unique opportunity for the Devils to reunite Hughes with his younger brothers, Jack and Luke.
Potential Trade Dynamics for Quinn Hughes
According to Canucks insider Rick Dhaliwal, discussions have pointed towards the organization’s inclination to trade Hughes if he is not willing to commit long-term. Dhaliwal speculated that the Canucks might receive a better return this season than if they waited longer.
Contract and Value Analysis
Quinn Hughes, currently 26 years old, has two years left on his contract with a cap hit of $7.875 million. While this figure is considerable mid-season, numerous teams are in a position to accommodate it. Teams such as:
- Chicago
- Columbus
- Carolina
- Calgary
- Anaheim
- Detroit
These teams could be potential suitors. However, the impending chance of Hughes joining the Devils may deter them from making substantial offers.
Strategic Advantages for the Devils
With Luke Hughes now signed with the Devils through 2032, the team is in a strong position regarding Hughes’s trade prospects. Acquiring Quinn Hughes could significantly enhance the Devils’ chances of pursuing the Stanley Cup over the next two years, especially if they can secure him before he enters free agency in 2027.
Possible Trade Considerations
If the Canucks aim to remain competitive, they might target players like Dougie Hamilton from the Devils. Conversely, for a rebuild, the Devils could provide promising prospects such as:
- Seamus Casey
- Anton Silayev
These players would strengthen the Canucks’ young defensive core, which already includes Tom Willander and Victor Mancini.
Conclusion
The evolving situation enhances the New Jersey Devils’ chances of bringing all three Hughes brothers together. As discussions progress, it remains to be seen how much both teams are willing to negotiate for this unique opportunity.
