Simon Fearn-Imagn Images

Analysts Float Massive Devils–Canucks Blockbuster Centered on Quinn Hughes

Originally posted on NHL Trade Talk | Last updated Nov 29, 2025 9:21 AM ET

The Quinn Hughes conversation has officially jumped from speculation to full-on blockbuster territory. On a recent episode of Kyper and Bourne, Sportsnet’s David Amber suggested a stunning hypothetical trade between the New Jersey Devils and Vancouver Canucks — one that would send the Canucks’ franchise defenseman to join his brothers in New Jersey.

Amber ran an idea up the flagpole with Nick Kypreos and Justin Bourne, asking, “Would you do Jesper Bratt, Šimon Nemec, plus? If Quinn Hughes is not going to stay, you need to leverage to get as much as you can in return.” Both said yes immediately, also noting that the Devils would have to throw in more to make that deal work. Amber then said he just meant those two names as far as players go. It would be those two, plus, plus. Kyper figured at least two first-round picks would be part of the deal going back to Vancouver, as well.

Nemec is a former second-overall pick who looks every bit like a future top-pairing defender, and Bratt is a point-per-game winger in his prime. The Devils are considered the favorites to land Hughes, who, at this point, few believe is staying with the Canucks, despite saying he’s committed to the organization.

There is increasing uncertainty surrounding Hughes’ long-term future in Vancouver. Observers have noticed his body language dip, with some insiders wondering whether he’s still buying into the Canucks’ direction. As one panelist put it, he hasn’t “looked like he’s having a ton of fun,” and if the organization is leaning toward a roster shake-up, that only complicates things further. Amber suggested that the Canucks’ willingness to trade all of their veterans will leave Hughes wondering what’s going to be left for him to play with.

The Canucks Would Have To Offer Hughes a Massive Deal to Stay

Vancouver does have one unique card to play: the ability to offer an eight-year extension worth roughly $18 million per season — a number no other team can touch right now. But even that might not be enough if Hughes decides the situation isn’t salvageable.

NHL Network’s Mike Rupp said he’d “bet the farm” the Hughes brothers eventually play together and that Vancouver should stop pretending Quinn is staying long-term. If that’s the reality, he argued, the Canucks must secure an “absolute haul.”

Journalist Arthur Staple echoed that sentiment from New Jersey’s side: if Hughes hits the market at all, the Devils should essentially hand Vancouver a blank trade sheet. “Send the email with no names on it… just fill in who you’re asking for.”

If Vancouver truly opens the door to moving Hughes, the bidding war would be enormous. Other insiders have said the Philadelphia Flyers, Detroit Red Wings, and Toronto Maple Leafs would all be interested.

But, if the Devils are willing to sacrifice major pieces — including Bratt and Nemec — the Hughes family reunion will make the Devils a clear frontrunner.

This article first appeared on NHL Trade Talk and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: