It is the report no one in Vancouver wanted to hear, but perhaps the one the franchise needs to acknowledge. Elliotte Friedman has dropped a bombshell: trade talks involving Vancouver Canucks captain Quinn Hughes have officially started.
For years, Hughes has been the untouchable cornerstone of this franchise. But where there is smoke, there is fire, and Friedman’s reporting suggests the Canucks are finally listening. The headline connection here is the Washington Capitals, a team Friedman suggests would be open to absorbing the remainder of Hughes’ contract. But before you go ordering a customized Capitals jersey, let’s look at the reality of the situation.
The Price for Hughes: A Young Center or Bust
This isn’t a salary dump. The Canucks have set an “outrageous” asking price, and rightfully so. Friedman notes that a “young, impactful center” is the non-negotiable key to this deal.
Here is my personal insight: The Canucks are in a position of leverage, but it’s fragile. Hughes has no trade protection, meaning Vancouver can send him anywhere—though he prefers the East. However, the clock is ticking. While his $7.85 million cap hit is a massive bargain through 2026-27, the looming extension—which could hit $15-18 million annually—scares off contenders with tight books.
The Canucks are playing a dangerous game. They could wait until the draft in June, or even try to extend him next July. But if Hughes doesn’t like the direction of the club by then, the return diminishes instantly.
Comparing this to the Mikko Rantanen trade offers context, but Hughes is different. He is a Norris-winning defenseman in his prime. If Washington—or any team—wants him, they aren’t just giving up picks. They are gutting their prospect pool and shedding a roster player. The Canucks aren’t just looking to rebuild; they are looking to retool on the fly. If Washington can’t offer that young center, this deal dies on the vine. But the fact that we are even talking about it proves one thing: no one is safe in Vancouver anymore.
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The post Why the Canucks Might Actually Trade Quinn Hughes to the Capitals appeared first on NHL Trade Rumors.
