It remains arguably the most painful trade in club history, as the Vancouver Canucks parted ways with captain and former Norris Trophy-winning defenseman Quinn Hughes in December of last season, closing the chapter on what was the best player at his position that had ever skated for the Canucks.
And while the Canucks received a considerable package in return that should bode well for their future chances of success, the main storyline that fans of the Minnesota Wild are now paying attention to is Hughes’ future with the club.
Right now, Hughes has yet to commit to signing an extension with the Wild, and if he ultimately departs Minnesota, it will have been a massive price for general manager Bill Guerin to pay to acquire him for just 1.5 years.
The Latest Update On Former Vancouver Canucks Defenseman Quinn Hughes Isn’t Going To Ease The Minds Of Minnesota Fans
The latest update from NHL Insider Quinn Hughes likely won’t put Wild fans at ease, as he notes that the award-winning defenseman still hasn’t fully made up his mind about his future while also noting that his desire is still to play with brothers Jack and Luke, who are currently with the New Jersey Devils.
“My understanding of this situation through the summer is I think he was having trouble basically making up his mind about what he wants to do for his future,” Johnston said on TSN. “There’s a desire that we’ve known for years to one day play with his brothers. I think he did enjoy his Minnesota experience after the trade was made part way through last year with Vancouver. And so I think at some point he’s going to have to I’m sure he’s been doing some degree of soul searching and leaning on conversations with the people he trusts around him, but he’s going to have to make a call on what’s best.”
He continued:
“I think the posture of Minnesota is that they’re here. I don’t think there are any restrictions on their end in terms of making him a very wealthy man. But he has to be willing to sign it. And at least to this point I don’t think that has been committed to or something he’s ready to do.”
After being acquired from the Canucks by the Wild in December, Hughes went on to set the new Minnesota franchise record for points by a defenseman in a single campaign. He also helped the Wild to a first round playoff exit of the divisional rival Dallas Stars before eventually falling in Round Two to the Colorado Avalanche.
The Hughes Brothers Would Love To Play With One Another
It would be a dream come true for all three Hughes brothers to play together on one NHL roster.
“Honestly, I’m not afraid to say it,” Jack said before the start of last season. “Yeah, I would love for Quinn to … eventually, I’d love to play with him. And whether that’s in New Jersey or at what time that takes, at some point, I want to play with Quinn. But yeah, that’s the question going around.”
Latest On Quinn Hughes Isn’t Good News For Wild Fans