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Canucks' Quinn Hughes Future in Vancouver Clouded as NJ Devils Speculation Grows

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Antonio Losada | Last updated Aug 22, 2025 10:09 AM ET

The Vancouver Canucks may be facing more than just a coaching transition, with their best player's future in the spotlight.

Team president Jim Rutherford admitted in April that Quinn Hughes, the team’s captain and a Norris Trophy finalist in 2024-25 after winning the award in 2023-24, hadn't been the most communicative person with the organization at the end of last season.

Rutherford acknowledged the strong bond between Hughes and former head coach Rick Tocchet, calling their relationship “very strong” and one built on “a lot of respect.” Tocchet's exit could have hurt the player-franchise relationship after the Canucks failed to retain him.

“Knowing how he feels about the coach and that he’s a sensitive guy, I would suspect that he feels like I do,” Rutherford said. “We’re disappointed. But knowing the maturity of Quinn, he will make the adjustment necessary.”

My latest piece answers burning questions on salary cap accrual, Quinn Hughes' future, the Flyers' rebuild and can anyone beat the Panthers? https://t.co/NZN0w4V30f
— James Mirtle (@mirtle) August 21, 2025

James Mirtle Sees the New Jersey Devils as a Natural Landing Spot

James Mirtle of The Athletic addressed the ongoing speculation about Hughes’ long-term future in Vancouver or outside of it, noting that the New Jersey Devils stand out as a logical destination.

“With huge question marks around Elias Pettersson and Thatcher Demko, the ceiling feels too low to compete with the real contenders in the West,” Mirtle wrote. “If you’re Hughes, indisputably now one of the best players in the league and with two years left on your deal, it feels natural to wonder about your future if this Canucks team isn’t going to break through and win.”

Mirtle added that if Hughes were to leave, a move to New Jersey to play alongside his brothers Jack and Luke could be the most obvious option for the Canucks' blueliner.

“I don’t really see the downside, to be honest," Mirtle wrote. "The Devils are fortunate that a perennial Norris Trophy candidate likely has them at the top of his to-go list. It could be a game-changer for a team on the cusp of taking another step."

Devils Positioned to Pursue Hughes if He Becomes Available

The Devils are projected to have the flexibility to pursue a deal for a top-tier, high-salaried player in due time.

By the 2027–28 season, New Jersey is projected to have a little over $62 million in cap space, making even a contract worth more than $15 million per season manageable to land during the summer of 2027.

Any trade scenario might be even easier to work around for the Devils, as salary would likely move back to Vancouver, giving the Devils ample flexibility, the Canucks roster help, and Hughes the chance to join his brothers.

Canucks president Rutherford has not ignored the discussion, at one point raising the Hughes-to-New Jersey scenario unprompted during a press conference held at the end of last regular season.

Quinn Hughes' Future Impact on the Canucks and the NHL

Hughes is signed through the 2026–27 season with a $7.85 million cap hit, but his silence and his interest in playing with his brothers continue to drive speculation about his future.

Mirtle stressed that if Vancouver cannot rise into contention, the star defenseman may not see his long-term future there, echoing Rutherford's comments on the situation made back in April.

“This franchise cannot afford to lose a guy like Quinn Hughes,” Rutherford said. “We will do everything we can to keep him here, but at the end of the day, it’ll be his decision.”

Hughes completed the 2024-25 season scoring 76 points in just 68 regular-season games, including 16 goals and 60 assists, and logging just 29 penalty minutes while averaging 25:44 minutes per game.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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