The NHL trade market this year has seen little activity, despite intense rumors about several players, including Quinn Hughes. The Vancouver Canucks defenseman has attracted significant attention due to his outstanding performance, prompting speculation about a potential move, but recent insights suggest he is likely to stay with Vancouver for now.
Expert Insider Dispels Rumors of Hughes Heading to New Jersey
Vancouver’s recent struggles have been well-documented, with the team missing the playoffs once again in the last season. However, Quinn Hughes, with his $47.1 million contract, stood out as a leading contributor. Scoring 76 points on 16 goals and 60 assists, he served as Vancouver’s top offensive weapon, which fueled rumors linking him to the New Jersey Devils.
During a recent episode of ‘The Sekeres and Price Podcast’ on Amazon’s Monday Night Hockey, Adnan Virk weighed in on these speculation surrounding Hughes’ future. He directly addressed the talk of New Jersey attempting to acquire Hughes, casting doubt on the likelihood of such a trade materializing.
Host of Monday Night Hockey on Amazon @adnansvirk, disagrees with Ken Daneyko about Quinn Hughes going to the @NJDevils. #njdevils #canucks@mattsekeres | @justBlakePrice
Presented by @YellowDogBeer. pic.twitter.com/Q4kl9nvZWA
— Sekeres and Price (@sekeresandprice) July 26, 2025
Virk recalled the excitement surrounding a Canucks-Devils game, explaining,
Well, it’s interesting. It was so much fun when Quinn Hughes and we had that Canucks-Devils game, as you guys know, on Prime, and we were hoping Jack would play.
Although Hughes did not participate in that game, Virk highlighted the great atmosphere surrounding the event.
Virk also mentioned a conversation with Ken Daneyko, a former New Jersey Devil and NHL Network colleague, who predicted Hughes’ eventual move to New Jersey. Virk responded,
Ken Daneyko, who’s a colleague and a friend from NHL Network, of course, Mr. Devil. He was like, ‘Oh, it’s only a matter of time till he comes to Jersey, and I just have to join his brother here.’
Despite Daneyko’s confidence, Virk remained skeptical.
He added,
I’m like, ‘Ah, not so fast. We’ll see.’ I’m like, I’m sure he knows how much he’s appreciated and embraced in that Vancouver market.
Virk acknowledged the potential appeal of playing alongside Hughes’ brothers but cautioned against assuming an imminent trade.
And you know, listen, is there an appeal to playing with your brother? Of course, there would be.
However, Virk warned of premature assumptions, saying,
I think at the same time, sometimes people kind of put the cart before the horse and just assume, ‘Oh, in a couple of years he’ll be gone.’
According to him, the decision will heavily depend on Hughes’ success with Vancouver.
Virk concluded,
I think if Quinn Hughes builds a winner there in Vancouver, if they have success, we all know it was a down season, and he’ll be more apt to stay there long-term.
Future of Hughes’ Career Hinges on Team Success in Vancouver
Whether Quinn Hughes will eventually join his younger brothers, Jack and Luke, at the New Jersey Devils remains uncertain. Based on Virk’s analysis, Hughes’ continuation with the Canucks largely depends on the team’s performance in the coming seasons and his ability to contribute to a winning environment.
These developments highlight the complexities of player trades beyond just family ties, emphasizing the importance of team dynamics and success in a player’s decision to stay or move. As the NHL offseason progresses, all eyes remain on Hughes to see if he will build a lasting legacy in Vancouver or explore new opportunities elsewhere.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Why is Quinn Hughes not allowed to play?
A. At the end of the first season, Quinn, who was 16 years old, has a baby girl named Beth and chooses adoption for her.
Q. Why is Quinn Hughes not playing?
A. On Sunday, Vancouver Canucks GM Patrik Allvin revealed Quinn Hughes won’t join the 4 Nations Face-Off event. The Canucks’ captain is healing from an oblique injury and has missed the last four games.
Q. Is Quinn Hughes a fast skater?
A. In the 2024–25 NHL season, Quinn Hughes from the Vancouver Canucks is the fastest defenseman. He reached a speed of 24.56 mph. This makes him not only the quickest defenseman this season but also one of the fastest players in the whole league.
Q. Why wasn’t Quinn Hughes playing?
A. Hughes was among the initial six players chosen for the U.S. team in June, but he had to withdraw due to an oblique injury. Ottawa Senators’ young player Jake Sanderson took his place. Sanderson filled in for McAvoy during a 2-1 defeat against Sweden on Monday night.