The Vancouver Canucks are off to one of their roughest starts in years. Their 11-15-3 record has them sitting at the bottom of the Pacific Division, though they managed to snap a four-game losing streak with a 4-2 win over the Minnesota Wild on Saturday.
With the team struggling, attention has shifted to potential roster moves, putting captain Quinn Hughes in the spotlight. Trade talk is intensifying, and speculation is growing about what he might fetch in a deal.
Projected Bids for a Potential Quinn Hughes Deal
Trade talk heated up even more after Hughes’ recent post-game comments, where he acknowledged that “things like that could happen” when asked about the trade rumors.
Hughes is in year five of his six-year, $47.1 million contract and becomes eligible for an extension this July. He also has no trade protection, which means Vancouver could move him at any time if the right offer appears. The real question is whether they’re willing to take that step.
In The Athletic, Canucks insider Harman Dayal broke down Hughes’ potential value. He pointed to last year’s deadline, where Brock Nelson, at 33 and only a rental, returned a first-round pick, a top-tier center prospect in Calum Ritchie, and a third-round pick. That’s essentially two firsts and a third for a much older, less impactful player.
Hughes is now considered the second-best defenseman in the league and would command far more. “If Hughes were dealt at the 2027 trade deadline as a rental, he could be worth two first-round picks (especially because at least one of them would presumably be a late first) and a prospect,” Dayal said.
It’s steep, but not unrealistic for a player of his caliber, especially when comparable deals have been made for star UFAs like Mikko Rantanen last season.
However, if that’s the rental price, his value is even higher right now. Any team acquiring Hughes this season would get him for 18 months and two playoff runs, a scenario that naturally drives up offers. It also gives teams protection: if he doesn’t sign a long-term contract, they could still trade him again in 2027 and recoup assets.
“Take Detroit as an example,” Dayal explained. “Adding Hughes would almost instantly push the Red Wings back into playoff territory and likely end their long postseason drought, bringing in major revenue along the way.” And come summer, the Red Wings would have a strong case to extend him.
There’s also a significant financial advantage at play. Until September 15, 2026, teams can still sign extensions under the old CBA rules. That means anyone holding Hughes’ rights before then could offer an eight-year extension, while the new CBA limits extensions to seven years. That extra year alone could mean around $15 million more in guaranteed compensation.
In short, Hughes’ value isn’t just tied to his play; the timing of his contract makes him one of the most valuable trade chips in the NHL.
