Quinn Hughes and the Future with the Canucks
In Henderson, Nevada, Quinn Hughes has indicated that the remarks made by Vancouver Canucks president Jim Rutherford regarding his future could lead to a shift in how fans perceive him. During a press briefing in the offseason, Rutherford stated that Quinn has expressed a desire to play alongside his brothers, Jack and Luke Hughes, who are currently part of the New Jersey Devils.
Financial Considerations vs. Family Ties
When Rutherford addressed the prospects of Quinn continuing with the Canucks—who have him under contract for two more years—he noted that financial considerations may not be the primary factor. Instead, he emphasized that Quinn’s interest in teaming up with his siblings could be beyond the Canucks’ control, suggesting that acquiring Jack and Luke would be necessary for such a reunion.
Jack Hughes Responds
Jack Hughes, who is set to begin his seventh season in the NHL with the Devils, admitted he was taken aback by Rutherford’s open remarks on the matter. “Honestly, I was a little surprised that he would be so forthcoming with that,” Jack shared during a media event in Las Vegas. He reminded observers that he does not have direct influence over Quinn’s situation but is keen to see how events unfold.
Quinn’s Diplomatic Stance
Quinn, when asked about Rutherford’s statements, chose to remain diplomatic, expressing respect for the general manager’s authority and experience. He stated, “Jim’s a smart guy. Jim’s doing, you know, what he wants to do. I’ve got a lot of respect for Jim, so I’ll just leave it at that.”
Fan Reactions and Future Speculations
Despite Rutherford’s assurances that the organization plans to retain Quinn’s talents in Vancouver, his comments have raised eyebrows among the fanbase, leading to apprehensions that Quinn might consider free agency come 2027 or even be traded before then. Acknowledging the potential shift in public perception, Quinn remarked, “Possibly. But I can’t control that.”
Quinn’s Performance and Olympic Aspirations
Last season, Quinn demonstrated his talents by finishing as the Canucks’ leading scorer with 76 points, despite battling an injury that restricted his play to 68 games and sidelined him from representing Team USA at the 4 Nations Face-Off. He has already secured a spot on the U.S. men’s ice hockey Olympic team for the 2026 Games and hopes to share the ice with both Jack and potentially Luke.
Jack’s Enthusiasm for a Brotherly Alliance
Jack made his enthusiasm clear during this week’s media tour, expressing his desire to join forces with Quinn at the NHL level. “Honestly, I’m not afraid to say it. 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,” he declared. He further noted that discussions about this potential brotherly alliance are a hot topic in Vancouver.
