Dec 8, 2025; Vancouver, British Columbia, CAN; Vancouver Canucks defenseman Quinn Hughes (43) handles the puck against the Detroit Red Wings in the second period at Rogers Arena.

Photo credit: Bob Frid – Imagn Images.

A National Hockey League insider has revealed how much say former Vancouver Canucks captain Quinn Hughes had in Friday’s trade with the Minnesota Wild.

It was a night that many Vancouver Canucks fans won’t forget for the rest of their lives as Patrik Allvin and Jim Rutherford dealt captain Quinn Hughes to the Minnesota Wild in exchange for a 2026 first round pick, Austrian centerman Marco Rossi, defenseman Zeev Buium and Liam Ohgren.”Like Jim, I would also like to thank Quinn for everything thing he has done in Vancouver. Quinn played hard, lead by example and did a lot of very good things for the Canucks. Trading away a player of this caliber is never easy and easy decision to make, but it was one we had to do to make our team better. We are so excited to add a solid centre in Marco, a good young blueliner in Zeev and a versatile forward in Liam. This year’s draft is a strong one so acquiring a first-round pick was also a big part of this deal.” Patrik Allvin said after the Quinn Hughes trade was made official.

The Minnesota Wild certainly weren’t the only team trying to get their hands on the former Norris Trophy winner as the Buffalo Sabres, Carolina Hurricanes, New Jersey Devils and Washington Capitals were in the mix and on Friday, an insider revealed how much of a say Quinn Hughes had regarding his next destination.

NHL insider reveals how much of a say Quinn Hughes had in trade to Minnesota Wild

In Friday’s edition of the 32 Thoughts Podcast, Sportsnet insider Elliotte Friedman revealed that with Quinn Hughes not having a no-trade clause or no-movement clause, he didn’t have much of a say in where he would end up being dealt to and as much as he probably would’ve loved to go to the New Jersey Devils to play with his brothers Jack and Luke, Patrik Allvin & Jim Rutherford needed to do what’s best for the team.

Friedman added that the Vancouver Canucks didn’t have a preference of which Conference they’d send Quinn Hughes to and they’d be more than comfortable with him staying in the West, assuming they receive a strong enough package from one of those teams, which the Minnesota Wild ultimately presented them with.

“Hughes does not have no-trade or no-move protection. Therefore, the Canucks can trade him anywhere they wish, and have indicated they are prepared to do just that. While it’s believed Hughes prefers East long-term, the Canucks could send him West if one of those teams stepped up and took a chance.” Friedman said.

It’s going to be interesting to see how this trade works out for both teams and while it stings right now for Vancouver Canucks fans, seeing the team’s captain move on from the only club he’s played for in his NHL career, everyone is wishing him the best of luck as he heads to The State of Hockey.

Previously on Vancouver Hockey Daily

POLL

DECEMBRE 13   |   3129 ANSWERS

Vancouver Canucks reportedly went against Quinn Hughes’ wishes by trading him to the Minnesota Wild

Do you think the Vancouver Canucks could’ve gotten a better offer for Quinn Hughes or what Minnesota’s likely the best they’d receive?

They could’ve gotten a better offer61819.8 %No, Minnesota’s offer was likely the best251180.2 %List of polls