Jim Rutherford Gives Interesting Answer When Asked About Quinn Hughes' Future
Photo credit: Bob Frid - Imagn Images.
Vancouver Canucks' Jim Rutherford gave an interesting answer this week when asked if the club had to make a decision before next summer regarding Quinn Hughes.
As the Vancouver Canucks continue preparations for the 2025-26 season, one storyline that won't be disappearing anytime soon is the future of captain Quinn Hughes.
Hughes, who is eligible to sign a contract extension with the club as of Canada Day next summer, has been mentioned in trade rumors throughout the summer, with some even linking him to the New Jersey Devils to join his brothers Luke and Jack following comments made by Jim Rutherford back in April.
"It may not boil down to money with [Quinn]. He said before he wants to play with his brothers. That would be partly out of our control. In our control if we brought his brothers here." Rutherford said at the team's season-ending media availability.
Jim Rutherford gives interesting answer when asked if Quinn Hughes decision needs to come by end of season
During an appearance on 100% Canucks with Ferraro & Shannon this week, Vancouver Canucks President of Hockey Operations Jim Rutherford spoke about Quinn Hughes and his future with the organization.
When asked if a decision regarding Hughes' future was needed before next summer, Rutherford said that it does not, adding that the club has a bit of breathing room to wait and see leading up to the trade deadline during the 2026-27 season.
Rutherford added that if they have to wait until the trade deadline in early 2027, they believe they can still get a great return, but obviously right now, they have zero intentions of wanting to move their captain and want him to stick around long-term.
"It doesn't have to...we can run that decision out to trade deadline next season and still get a great return but that's not what our goal is. We want him to be a Canuck for a long time." Rutherford said.
While some fans might be worrying about their captain leaving the club, for now, Quinn Hughes isn't thinking about the future and is focused on helping the Vancouver Canucks return to the Stanley Cup Playoffs next spring and after that, then he'll consider his options regarding a contract extension.
"One thing I'm really good at - or have gotten good at - is I'm very present. I can't even sign for another year, so there's nothing I can do. As far as the noise (about his future), I can handle the noise. That's why I'm the captain of the team, because I can handle these things and I can play at an elite level and it doesn't matter what's going on around me." Hughes said.
He added, "And as far as the noise around my teammates, I'm going to try to help everyone else, too, and be as good a leader as I can be. Noise doesn't bother me. It's a long year, and I'm just going to be day-to-day and focus on the short term. That's the truth, honestly."
He added, "And as far as the noise around my teammates, I'm going to try to help everyone else, too, and be as good a leader as I can be. Noise doesn't bother me. It's a long year, and I'm just going to be day-to-day and focus on the short term. That's the truth, honestly."
Previously on Vancouver Hockey Daily
| POLL | ||
SEPTEMBRE 30 | 1343 ANSWERS Jim Rutherford Gives Interesting Answer When Asked About Quinn Hughes' Future Which scenario do you think is more likely regarding captain Quinn Hughes? | ||
| Signs long-term extension next summer | 861 | 64.1 % |
| Is traded by the club before deadline in 2026-27 | 482 | 35.9 % |
| List of polls | ||