In a stunning revelation that has sent shockwaves through the Vancouver Canucks fanbase, Jack Hughes has openly expressed his desire to play alongside his brother Quinn, raising questions about the future of the Hughes brothers in the NHL. During a recent appearance on the “32 Thoughts” podcast with Elliott Friedman, Jack stated, “Eventually, I would 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.” This statement contrasts sharply with previous comments from Canucks President Jim Rutherford, who hinted that the organization is aware of Quinn’s aspirations to team up with his brothers.
The implications of Jack’s remarks are profound, especially considering Quinn Hughes is entering the final years of his contract. Rutherford previously suggested that retaining Quinn while potentially bringing in his brothers is within the Canucks’ control, yet the reality is more complex. With Jack Hughes locked into a long-term deal with the New Jersey Devils and Luke Hughes also approaching contract negotiations, Vancouver faces an uphill battle to unite the trio.
The Canucks are already grappling with their roster’s depth and financial constraints. Trading for Jack Hughes would likely require parting with key players like Elias Pettersson, an option that could severely weaken Vancouver’s center depth. Furthermore, the looming uncertainty surrounding Quinn’s future adds pressure on the Canucks to act swiftly. As he approaches free agency, Quinn Hughes’s value is set to skyrocket, potentially exceeding $12 million per year on his next contract.
With the NHL salary cap projected to rise, Vancouver’s front office must navigate these negotiations delicately. They cannot afford to let Quinn enter his final contract year without an extension, especially with the risk of losing him to the Devils, who could offer a lucrative deal to keep the Hughes brothers together. As the clock ticks down, the Canucks must prioritize retaining their generational talent while contemplating the possibility of a blockbuster trade to secure a future with all three Hughes brothers. The stakes have never been higher for Vancouver, and the pressure is mounting as the season approaches.
