THE Detroit Red Wings have been thrust into the spotlight in recent days as trade discussions intensify around Vancouver Canucks captain and former Norris Trophy winner Quinn Hughes. What started as speculation gained new legitimacy after Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman confirmed the Canucks had held discussions with both Red wings and the New Jersey Devils regarding potential trades for the 26-year-old star defenseman.
Friedman went so far as to say: “I believe that if Vancouver and Detroit I wanted to make a deal, I believe there is a deal to be made there. His recent reports on the proposed deal suggest that Vancouver is in the market for a reliable center with all signs pointing to rookie Nate Danielson being the most likely candidate to be the center they are referring to in the deal.
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Although the potential cost of acquiring Hughes would be high, the most important question for Red wings fans is whether the elite defender would commit long-term to Detroit. Hughes is under contract until the end of next season, leaving his future uncertain beyond that point.
Friedman stressed that the situation is murky, noting that no one has any idea what Hughes himself wants to do. His colleague Frank Seravalli echoed that sentiment, adding that Hughes does not yet appear to have a firm preference regarding his long-term destination. For Detroitthis ambiguity could either be a warning sign or an opening.
DetroitThe front office, led by general manager Steve Yzerman, could see an opportunity to persuade Hughes that he could become the latest centerpiece of the team’s ongoing rebuild. With young, emerging talent up front and solid depth on defense, Hughes could be positioned as the player to step up the move. Red wings regain pretender status.
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At just 26 years old, Hughes is already widely considered the greatest defenseman in Canucks history. In 455 regular season games, he amassed 61 goals and 370 assists for 431 points, as well as a career plus-25 rating. He holds Vancouver’s franchise records for career points and career assists by a defenseman, surpassing longtime star Alex Edler.
Hughes reached a new high in the 2023-24 season, posting a career-high 92 points and winning the James Norris Trophy as the NHL’s best defenseman. His dominance cemented his status as not only Vancouver’s best defenseman, but also one of the best offensive defensemen in the modern NHL.
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Whether Hughes ultimately ends up in the Motor City, Vancouver or even New Jersey may depend on which team can make the most compelling case for his long-term future.
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