As part of hockey’s most bitter rivalry when he was a defenseman with the Colorado Avalanche, the Detroit Red Wings were often a thorn in Adam Foote’s side.
In his current role as coach of the Vancouver Canucks, things haven’t changed.
Foote is lamenting that all the Quinn Hughes trade talk is a distraction to his team. The Red Wings are one of the teams frequently being linked to the Hughes trade rumors.
When I’ve been around these things, there’s a dark cloud hanging over the team,” Foote told TSN. “They obviously hear it.”
“I can feel it certain days more than others, and these guys are human. They can feel it”
Adam Foote commented on how the Quinn Hughes rumours are affecting the Canucks’ locker room. pic.twitter.com/cJ7N9tFzFo
— TSN (@TSN_Sports) December 11, 2025
It might not be discussed outwardly. Internally, though, trade talk plays on the psyche of players.
“I think when I’ve been around things like that, you’re not talking about it,” Foote said. “You’re trying not to think about it, but it’s there, and you can feel it on certain days more than others.
“I can feel it on certain days more than others. And these guys are human. They can feel it.
“It can affect our locker room for sure. I have to give the guys credit. They’re in a tough spot, hearing the noise, and they keep coming to work every day and keep doing their job. And that’s because they’re pros, that’s what they’re supposed to do. But they can hear it, and it probably affects some players more than others.”
You know what, Adam? The Red Wings would be happy to help you out with that problem.
Solomon A Dandy
Red Wings 2025 draftee Brent Solomon is enjoying a strong tournament for the USA at the World Junior A Challenge in Trois-Rivieres, Quebec.
Brent Solomon(4th round’25)
Had an assist and an empty net goal yesterday in a 4-0 Win over Canada West in the World Junior A challenge. #LGRW pic.twitter.com/dV3acd03wm
— Red Wings Prospects (@LGRWProspects) December 11, 2025
Solomon, selected 109th overall by Detroit, collected a goal and an assist as the USA blanked Canada West 4-0. The right-winger also scored a goal and an assist in a 7-1 win over Sweden.
Solomon’s 2-2-4 totals leave him in a tie for the tournament scoring lead. Team USA will now face Sweden on Friday for a spot in the championship game. The semifinal game will be streamed live on HNLive.ca. The puck drops at 7 p.m. ET.
Former Red Wings Sprong On Outs In Russia
Despite leading the team in scoring with 31 points, former Red Wings forward Daniel Sprong is again on the outs with CSKA Moscow. He was a healthy scratch for the club’s latest KHL game.
“Those who play for the team played today,” CSKA Moscow coach Igor Nikitin told Russian website Sport-Express following the game. Nikitin is unhappy with Sprong’s penchant to cheat for offense. This often leaves the team shorthanded in the defensive zone while Sprong is dangling in the neutral zone, hoping for a breakaway pass.
Speculation in the Russian media is that Sprong will soon be traded.