The Vancouver Canucks find themselves in a bit of an unusual spot. On the one hand, the team has high-end talent that can propel the club to a potential playoff run. On the other hand, the club has dealt with an insane number of injuries this season.
That situation has put the Canucks between a rock and a hard place. Specifically, the circumstances could force Vancouver to make a trade it doesn’t want to. Those circumstances refer particularly to team captain Quinn Hughes.
According to insider Rick Dhaliwal, the lack of commitment on Hughes’ part has led the Canucks down somewhat of a dangerous path. In the November 19 edition of Canucks Talk, Dhaliwal had this to say about the Canucks and 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.”
So, what does that mean for the team moving forward?
It puts the team in a tough spot. If Hughes is unwilling to re-up, the pressure will mount for the Canucks to pull the trigger. Considering that Hughes is under contract for one more year after this season, it would boost his value if he had some term left on his deal.
As for the return, one would have to think it would be astronomical. Hughes is one year removed from his first Norris Trophy and is among this generation’s best blueliners. He’s entering his prime and could be a mainstay on defense for the foreseeable future.
Canucks Should Have No Shortage of Suitors for Hughes
The first team that comes to mind as a potential trade partner for the Canucks is the New Jersey Devils. Ever since Hughes speculated about wanting to play with his brothers, Jack and Luke, the conversation turned to the Devils acquiring Hughes.
If that’s the case, the trade would have to be monstrous. But then again, New Jersey wouldn’t be the only option for the Canucks. There could be any number of teams looking to pull the trigger. Up-and-coming clubs like the Chicago Blackhawks or Anaheim Ducks might be willing to part with the pieces and the Capital to make such a deal work.
Established contenders like the Colorado Avalanche or Edmonton Oilers, cap space notwithstanding, might kick the tires on Hughes. Then, desperate teams like the St. Louis Blues, Toronto Maple Leafs, or even Nashville Predators might throw everything, including the kitchen sink, to land Hughes.
Hughes Lacks a No-Trade Clause
It’s worth pointing out that there’s nothing to prevent the Canucks from moving Quinn Hughes. He lacks a no-trade clause, meaning the club can move him whenever it wants to. That’s a powerful option, as Hughes may not block a trade, no matter how much he wanted to.
That lack of trade protection also has to be attractive to potential suitors. Since they wouldn’t have to convince Hughes to waive his clause, pulling off a trade could be much simpler.
Lastly, the only hitch would be signing Hughes after the fact. One would have to think that any team looking to acquire Hughes would need to have some assurance that Hughes is willing to sign with them. It could be that the Canucks ultimately allow other teams to speak with Hughes’ camp before pulling the trigger on a final deal.
Canucks Management Mulling Over Superstar Trade: Insider