Sam Navarro-Imagn Images

Panthers' Brad Marchand Reacts to Canucks' Quinn Hughes Speculation

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Antonio Losada | Last updated Dec 11, 2025 11:30 AM ET

Trade speculation around Vancouver Canucks captain Quinn Hughes intensified during the past few days and again after TSN analyst Mike Johnson predicted a 95% chance the defenseman would not finish the season in Vancouver.

The Canucks, sitting at the bottom of the NHL standings with an 11-16-3 record and struggling on a nightly basis, might consider pulling the trigger and moving Hughes before the trade deadline.

Johnson explained his reasoning on Wednesday's episode of TSN's "OverDrive," discussing a near-certain scenario in which Hughes is moved.

The analyst noted that teams from the Metropolitan Division stand out as potential trade suitors, mostly because of the ongoing talk linking Quinn Hughes to his brothers, New Jersey Devils players Jack and Luke Hughes.

“I would say it’s 95% he’s not playing in Vancouver,” Johnson said.

View this post on Instagram

The debate took an unexpected turn after TSN shared Johnson's take in an Instagram post, prompting Florida Panthers forward Brad Marchand to react publicly to Johnson’s comments.

“If your two bros were locked up on the same team…where would you sign…little common sense here,” Marchand commented.

Hughes has recorded 22 points in 25 games and remains under contract through 2026-27 at a $7.85 million cap hit.

The star blueliner continues to carry a heavy workload and recently acknowledged he can't do anything to stop the speculation surrounding his future.

Vancouver Canucks goalie Kevin Lankinen (32) and defenseman Quinn Hughes (43) celebrate their victory against the Columbus Blue Jackets.Bob Frid-Imagn Images

“Obviously, I’m aware that, you know, things like that could happen, for sure,” Hughes said after the Canucks' win over the Wild.

The Devils remain the most discussed potential landing spot, and Sportsnet's Nick Kypreos recently detailed a potential trade package including names such as Simon Nemec, Dawson Mercer and future first-round picks as a potential offer that could appeal to Vancouver.

For now, the Canucks will host the Buffalo Sabres on Thursday, with puck drop set for 10 p.m. ET. The NHL trade deadline is March 6.

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

More must-reads: