Fans of the Vancouver Canucks are forming strong opinions after a win over the New York Islanders. The discussion centers on the Dec. 12 trade that sent defenseman Quinn Hughes to the Minnesota Wild.
The Canucks received center Marco Rossi, defenseman Zeev Buium, left wing Liam Ohgren and a 2026 first-round pick. At the time, many fans questioned the decision. That tone shifted quickly after Vancouver’s latest result.
Advertisement
NHL analyst Rick Dhaliwal added fuel to the debate with a post on X. He noted the Canucks are 3-0 since the trade, and that they have outscored opponents 9-2 during that stretch.
Soon, fans noticed the post and shared their fresh opinions on the trade.
“Clearly Hughes AND Petey were the problem They won those games without BOTH those players 🤣” one fan joked about Hughes and Elias Pettersson.
“Makes you wonder if having a player leading the league in time on ice and puck possession makes the team slower and predictable. They look so much faster since the trade,” another fan suggested.
Advertisement
“I think Quinn was an anchor on the team. Everyone was just waiting out the trade,” one fan reacted.
“They stopped ‘Dancing with the Stars’ & are breathing fresh air, playing good hockey. How long that lasts, we don’t really know. For now, it is refreshing,” a fan pointed out.
“Canucks 6 points out of a wildcard spot with 2 games in hand! If you go back, I was saying trading Hughes for a 2C, a good dman, and a prospect would make this team better. They are playing a team game rather than a one-man show,” one fan noted.
Advertisement
“Now do the Wild. 😉 This is a trade that is a clear win-win for both teams IMO. As much as it hurts to lose QH, Buium and Rossi will be delivering results for Vancouver for another decade — to say nothing of the other two pieces,” a fan wrote.
Vancouver Canucks left wing Kiefer Sherwood (44) skates at Lenovo Center.James Guillory-Imagn Images
On the ice, results have supported that feeling. Vancouver beat New Jersey 2-1, shut out the Rangers 3-0 and defeated the Islanders 4-1. Kiefer Sherwood had a hat trick in the win over the Islanders. Thatcher Demko was steady in goal across all three games.
Advertisement
Vancouver still sits 14-17-3 and seventh in the Pacific Division. Defensive issues and penalty killing remain concerns. Still, effort and structure look improved.
Meanwhile, Hughes has played well in Minnesota. He has 25 points in 29 games and logs heavy minutes, the same as he was doing in Vancouver. The Wild sit near the top of the Central Division.
For now, Canucks fans see results. The long-term verdict will take much longer.
Related: Quinn Hughes’ Message on Wild Future After Trade From Canucks
Related: Kiefer Sherwood’s Message After Canucks’ 4-1 Win Against Islanders
This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Dec 20, 2025, where it first appeared in the NHL section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.