NHL Analyst Lays Out a Three-Step Plan for Canucks to Keep Quinn Hughes

The Vancouver Canucks face a critical season if they want to secure Quinn Hughes beyond his current contract, which is set to end on July 1, 2026.

The defenseman, who won the Norris Trophy as the NHL’s best defenseman in 2023-24, will first be eligible to sign an extension next summer but has made clear that his decision will depend on team success.

Speaking on TSN’s “That’s Hockey,” analyst Frankie Corrado highlighted three key areas that could decide the Canucks’ ability to keep their captain.

“If you’re looking for things that need to go right from now until the time Quinn Hughes decides what his future is going to be in Vancouver, then there’s going to have to be a few things that happen for the Vancouver Canucks,” Corrado said. “And even then, it’s not a guarantee; he could have made up his mind at this point.”

What the Canucks Must Do to Convince Quinn Hughes to Stay

First, Corrado noted the need for Elias Pettersson — the forward, not the Canucks defenseman who has the same name — to bounce back from an incredibly subpar season last year. After recording 102 points three seasons ago and 89 points two years ago, Pettersson had only 45 last season while missing 18 games.

“Elias Pettersson has to play like Elias Pettersson,” Corrado said. “Doesn’t have to be a 100-point guy right away, but has to be like that point-per-game player, true No. 1 center in order to try and retain the services of your star defenseman.”

Corrado also pointed to head coach Adam Foote, who is entering his first season as the leader of the Canucks following Rick Tocchet’s exit. Vancouver failed to make the playoffs last year.

“The other thing, new head coach Adam Foote has to show that this team can be sharp and detailed and ready for the playoffs,” Corrado said.

Finally, goaltending stability was listed as a must by Corrado, who stressed that starter Thatcher Demko must stay healthy to solidify Vancouver’s chances at contending.

“The other thing that needs to go well is, if you have a franchise goalie in Vancouver, you have to know he’s going to be in the net, and that’s Thatcher Demko,” Corrado said. “He has to prove that he can be the guy. Kevin Lankinen is a fine goalie, but there’s a drop-off between Demko and Lankinen when both are playing.”

Vancouver Canucks defenseman Quinn Hughes celebrates a goal.Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images

Speculation About a Hughes Brothers Reunion Keeps Growing

The comments come as speculation builds around Hughes’ long-term future. Brothers Jack and Luke play for the New Jersey Devils, and Jack recently said he “would love” to play alongside Quinn at some point.

Quinn, meanwhile, responded a day later by acknowledging the idea would be fun while noting his focus is on Vancouver’s upcoming season and improving his own game.

Corrado, however, cautioned that Vancouver cannot ignore the reality of the situation. If the team fails to contend, Corrado argued, the Canucks could eventually face a decision about trading Hughes, which might be better for the future of the franchise.

“It’s Quinn Hughes,” Corrado said. “You can get a haul for him, and you should if you know that he’s going to go play in New Jersey when it’s all said and done or go play somewhere else.”

This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Sep 11, 2025, where it first appeared in the NHL section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

NHL Analyst Lays Out a Three-Step Plan for Canucks to Keep Quinn Hughes

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