Jim Rutherford's latest remarks spark fresh rumours about Quinn Hughes' future with the Vancouver Canucks
Photo credit: Simon Fearn-Imagn Images
Vancouver Canucks President of Hockey Operations Jim Rutherford spoke about Quinn Hughes' future amid a recent report from NHL insider Elliotte Friedman.
Quinn Hughes' future with the Vancouver Canucks organization has been a hot topic for several months now following comments made by Jim Rutherford at the team's season-ending media availability 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.
Those comments set off a firestorm, with many questioning if Quinn Hughes will remain with the Vancouver Canucks for the rest of his career or if he'll leave the club, either via trade or as an unrestricted free agent in the summer of 2027.
Jim Rutherford speaks about Quinn Hughes' future amid recent report from Elliotte Friedman
On Monday night, Sportsnet insider Elliotte Friedman Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman revealed that the Vancouver Canucks have made veteran players on their roster available for trade, with the exception of captain Quinn Hughes.
"According to several sources, the Vancouver Canucks have let it be known that - in an effort to get younger - they are willing to listen to offers on 'veteran players.'" Friedman said.
When discussing Quinn Hughes, he added, "They've made it clear (trading him) is not their priority right now. (Filip Hronek is another player teams feel is unlikely to go anywhere.)"
When discussing Quinn Hughes, he added, "They've made it clear (trading him) is not their priority right now. (Filip Hronek is another player teams feel is unlikely to go anywhere.)"
Hughes will become eligible to sign a contract extension with the Vancouver Canucks as of July 1st and while there's no question the team would love to keep him around, the odds of that happening are getting lower and lower by the day.
During an interview with Patrick Johnston of The Province, President of Hockey Operations said that Quinn Hughes and his agent understand the direction the organization is heading and that they know what way they want to go as well.
"I believe Quinn and his agent are aware of the direction we want to go. And they're aware of the direction they want to go. Everybody wants to play on a winning team. But there's different reasons why people make decisions" Rutherford said.
Rutherford's comment is a little ambiguous, but reading between the lines a bit and it appears that he's saying Quinn Hughes knows the Canucks are heading towards at least a retool and aren't going to be competitive for a while.
If that happens to be the case, then it's safe to assume that Quinn Hughes' name will pop up in trade rumors closer to the deadline, perhaps once he returns from Italy after representing the United States at the 2026 Winter Olympics.
Previously on Vancouver Hockey Daily
| POLL | ||
NOVEMBRE 26 | 1359 ANSWERS Jim Rutherford's latest remarks spark fresh rumours about Quinn Hughes' future with the Vancouver Canucks Do you think the Vancouver Canucks will trade Quinn Hughes before the deadline on March 6th? | ||
| Yes | 589 | 43.3 % |
| No | 770 | 56.7 % |
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