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Speculation Over Quinn Hughes' Canucks Future Grows

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Antonio Losada | Last updated Nov 25, 2025 9:51 AM ET

The Vancouver Canucks have dropped six of their last seven games and are falling behind in the Pacific Division standings, also ranking third-worst in the Western Conference.

Given the precarious situation of the franchise, trade speculation is building quickly, particularly that around their captain and top blueliner.

On a recent episode of Sportsnet’s “Canucks Talk,” reporter Rick Dhaliwal suggested that the organization may not wait until the offseason to decide Quinn Hughes’ future.

Hughes, 26, remains under contract through the 2026–27 season and will become eligible to sign an extension on July 1 next summer.

Rick Dhaliwal: Re Quinn Hughes: I do believe that they internally do think that it's better to move him this year if - capital letters if - he doesn't wanna commit to the franchise long term - Canucks Talk (11/19)
— NHL Rumour Report (@NHLRumourReport) November 20, 2025

According to Dhaliwal, the Canucks may act before the March 6 trade deadline if they feel an extension is unlikely.

“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 said.

Hughes' name has increasingly surfaced in trade speculation following comments from his brother, Jack Hughes, about a desire to one day play alongside Quinn.

The two are currently on different teams, but Jack and their younger brother Luke Hughes are already paired up in New Jersey with the Devils.

Vancouver Canucks defenseman Quinn Hughes (43) during warm-ups.Bob Frid-Imagn Images

Canucks president Jim Rutherford already addressed the family dynamic last April.

“He’s said before he wants to play with his brothers,” Rutherford said. “That would be partly out of our control.”

Meanwhile, Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman reported on Monday that trading Hughes is “not their priority” for now, but the lack of progress on an extension is starting to raise questions about his future in Vancouver.

Hughes remains Vancouver’s leading scorer with 21 points in 18 games, but the Canucks sit at 9–12–2 and face a critical stretch with decisions looming ahead of the March 6 trade deadline.

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

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