The New Jersey Devils could use a fix, and this can certainly fix everything.
According to Elliotte Friedman, the Devils and Vancouver Canucks have had at least one conversation regarding Quinn Hughes in a potential trade.
Before you get too excited, Friedman stressed that he doesn’t believe anything to be on the horizon. In fact, it could have been more of a check-in than anything.
“I do not believe there is anything imminent,” Friedman said, via Saturday Night Headlines on Hockey Night in Canada. “I don’t even know that they’re anywhere far along. But I do believe that a conversation was had about where things stand and where they might be going.”
Regardless, it’s certainly a big development as the Canucks are open for business, selling their pending free agents, and as things continue to get worse in Vancouver, a full-fledge re-tool could be ahead for Quinn’s current team who occupy 32nd place in the NHL.
Quinn, 26, is the eldest Hughes brother. Ever since Canucks President of Hockey Operations, Jim Rutherford, explained the Vancouver captain would someday like to play with his brothers—Jack Hughes and Luke Hughes—the trade rumors linking him to the Devils have been rampant.
Well, consider the rumors rife at this point, as contact between the Devils and Canucks at least means one or both sides are considering their options.
In 23 games this season, Quinn’s recorded two goals and 22 points, averaging 27.5 minutes of ice-time per night.
Quinn is a two-time All-Star, 2023-24 Norris Trophy winner, and was named to the 2019-20 All-Rookie team.
In the 2023-24 season, Quinn registered a 17 goal and 92-point season, en route to his first Norris Trophy.
On another note, Friedman mentioned the Devils have been working the phones on potential deals for players like Steven Stamkos and Ryan O’Reilly.
James is the New Jersey Devils beat reporter for New Jersey Hockey Now on Sportsnaut and the PHWAs New … More about James Nichols