The effects of the Quinn Hughes trade from the Vancouver Canucks to the Minnesota Wild are still being felt throughout the NHL. As many hopefully know by now, the Canucks traded Hughes to the Wild for Zeev Buium, Marco Rossi, Liam Ohgren, and a 2026 first-round pick.
NHL Rumors: Some Fallout After Quinn Hughes Trade to the Wild
Despite reports from Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet Headlines on Saturday, that the Canucks were told by Quinn Hughes and his agent Pat Brisson around US Thanksgiving that he will not re-sign when he is eligible on July 1, 2026. However, more information is emerging that shows that the Canucks know that they will not re-sign if not long, last season.
Rutherford clarified that the clue he received 1.5 years ago was more of a feeling than anything else. But they were told this offseason by Quinn’s camp that there is little chance of him moving on. #Floods
– Farhan Lalji (@FarhanLaljiTSN) December 13, 2025
Vancouver knew this past season, despite extending Thatcher Demko and re-signing Brock Boeser, that the writing was on the wall that Quinn Hughes wasn’t staying. GM Patrik Allvin acknowledged that after the trade was made. Hughes’ older brother has been saying all the right things about his focus this season. You will have to know my answer on July 1, and this season will determine his future in Vancouver.
After this scene, the Canucks were preparing for his departure. They didn’t want to use the word “rebuilding” when Quin Hughes was around, or really gone. Remember, President of Hockey Operations Jim Rutherford made it clear back in January of this year that if the Canucks were going to rebuild, Quinn Hughes was gone.
“If we were to start over completely, that means you’re leaving, and we’d like to find a way to be here forever,” Rutherford told the Globe and Mail.
NHL Rumors: Minnesota Wild Go All In With Quinn Hughes. Can they keep him?
He followed that up on the 100 percent hockey podcast with John Shannon on May 2, 2025, that if Quinn Hughes stayed, he would move him.
“We’re controlling him for about a year and a half because if we get to that trade deadline two years from now and it looks like he doesn’t want to stay, we’re going to have to do something,” Rutherford said.
Shortly after Rutherford made the famous statement about Quinn Hughes wanting to play with his brothers. So he knew in May that his captain was not there and he was still trying with all his might to keep him there, but the loss caught him.
“During the season it was shown that there is little chance of him signing an extension here, he wants to be close to his family and brothers.” At that point, I was absolutely convinced there was no chance I was going to change his mind,” Rutherford told Vancouver media after the trade.
Rutherford clarified his statements about Quinn Hughes wanting to play with his brothers, saying Hughes wanted to be close to them and, at one point, play with them. But the organization knew, and all he needed was ownership, which he got to move the franchise-changing defenseman from Vancouver to begin a rebuild.
NHL Rumors: Quinn Hughes Open to Staying in Minnesota
And the Canucks handled the situation with class and professionalism, as Pat Brisson, Quinn Hughes’ agent, told the media. While everyone could see that this player didn’t have trade protection, this was another instance where the team treated him like he did. It was an illegal trade protection.
Just look at what happened with the Nashville Predators and Ryan O’Reilly. GM Barry Trotz treats him as he does, so Rutherford, Allvin, and the Canucks keep Quinn and Pat Brisson in the loop the entire time.
All parties are aware of all the offers that were on the table. So, despite reports that the Canucks couldn’t wait until July 1st because his agent would be involved, that’s not entirely true. They had to be part of the program because the player wanted to be happy where he went.
Russo: Quinn knew the packages and what was being offered (by other teams)
– Taj (@taj1944) December 16, 2025
Although his agent and the player were not part of the process, they knew the destinations. Obviously, everyone blames the New Jersey Devils for not having room to make a deal. And despite their request for Dawson Mercer, Anton Silayev, and Simon Nemec, that hasn’t done it for Vancouver.
However, everyone knew he was leaving, but the process was accelerated when the memo went out to 31 other parties. The Canucks are now looking to the future. More trades are on the way out of Vancouver as the rebuild continues.
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