THE Vancouver CanucksThe ongoing struggles continue to ensure that team captain Quinn Hughes remains the hot topic of trade discussions in the media.
Speculation persists as to where the 26-year-old superstar defenseman could end up if he and the Canucks don’t agree on a contract extension next summer. THE New Jersey Devils And Detroit Red Wings are among the clubs considered as potential destinations.
Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman believes
commercial negotiations are underway between the Canucks and the clubs calling about Hughes. He said sources say they are setting a very high asking price, which one league executive called “outrageous,” without going into detail.
Friedman said the Canucks want a “young, impactful center” as part of the return, or “something special” to offset that desire. He said multiple sources said there was no truth to speculation that Hughes told the Canucks last summer he would not re-sign.
The Devils and Red Wings were among Friedman’s list of possible suitors, which also included
Washington Capitals, Philadelphia Flyers, Utah mammoth And Carolina Hurricanes.
The Capitals beat writer Sammi Silber of
Hockey news I don’t see this club as a fit for Hughes. She doesn’t think they’ll part ways with any of their top players and noted the Canucks’ asking price could include promising youngsters such as forward Ryan Leonard and defenseman Cole Hutson.
James Murphy of RG.Org listed two clubs
who aren’t in the mix for the Canucks star, saying Boston Bruins And Pittsburgh Penguins should not be among Hughes’ suitors.
According to Murphy, the Bruins are looking for more punch among their forwards and are not interested in giving up major assets for a defenseman. Meanwhile, the Penguins are sticking to their ongoing rebuild schedule.
Murphy also indicated that the Devils and Red Wings remain among the top candidates for Hughes, with the latter club being better positioned to acquire him. That’s because the Wings have considerable salary cap space and a larger tradable asset pool than the Devils.
Meanwhile, all the trade speculation swirling around Hughes is impossible to ignore, even among his teammates.
Thursday, Canucks coach Adam Foote admitted that his players have obviously heard the rumors about Hughes. He acknowledged that this can affect a roster, but praised them for handling this situation as professionals.
The Canucks had to deal with trade rumors regarding Elias Pettersson and JT Miller until the latter was shipped to the New York Rangers last January. Towards the end of last season, they heard speculation that head coach Rick Tocchet might leave the club. Philadelphia Flyers.
The uncertainty over Hughes’ future is another unwelcome drama for this club as it attempts to keep pace in the Western Conference playoff race. Until the problem is resolved somehow, it remains an unnecessary distraction.
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