Red Wings Reportedly Inquire About Quinn Hughes Amidst Canucks' Struggles

As the Vancouver Canucks continue to struggle this season, NHL insiders have identified the Detroit Red Wings as a potential destination for their star defenseman and captain, Quinn Hughes. While Vancouver has not publicly expressed interest in trading Hughes, the team's performance has fueled speculation and external pressure regarding his long-term future.

Several factors make Detroit a logical landing spot for Hughes. The Red Wings have a rising core of young talent and organizational depth. Adding a dynamic, puck-moving defenseman like Hughes would immediately elevate their blue line alongside Moritz Seider. Detroit also possesses a strong prospect pool, including names like Marco Kasper, and has available draft capital that could intrigue Vancouver. Moreover, Hughes has ties to Michigan, having played for the United States National Team Development Program and the University of Michigan.

Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman reported that the Red Wings have inquired about Hughes' availability. However, like the New Jersey Devils, who are also reportedly interested, nothing is imminent with Detroit. Friedman believes that if Vancouver were to trade Hughes, they would only do so for a prominent center. This could make players like Simon Edvinsson or Lucas Raymond, who have been previously mentioned in trade rumors, non-starters. Friedman has confirmed that Dylan Larkin and Lucas Raymond will not be a part of the Quinn Hughes trade.

While the Canucks have made their veterans available for trade, they are not actively shopping Hughes. Chris Johnston stated that the Canucks do not want to trade Hughes. However, their struggles this season make it difficult to convince him to stay. Pierre LeBrun believes the Canucks face a big decision: move Hughes before the March 6 trade deadline or wait until the offseason to re-sign him or trade him at the draft. Moving him before the deadline would give the acquiring team two playoff runs with Hughes.

According to The Athletic's Harman Dayal, if Hughes were dealt as a rental at the 2027 trade deadline, he could be worth two first-round picks and a prospect. However, because any team acquiring Hughes this season would get him for 18 months and two playoff runs, his value is even higher right now. Dayal explained that adding Hughes would almost instantly push the Red Wings back into playoff territory and likely end their long postseason drought, bringing in major revenue.

Several names have been mentioned as potential trade pieces, with some analysts suggesting that the Canucks would be interested in Nate Danielson or Marco Kasper. However, Detroit may be hesitant to part with top prospects. One potential trade proposal involves Detroit acquiring Hughes in exchange for C Nate Danielson, G Trey Augustine, LD Albert Johansson, LW Max Plante, and an unprotected 2026 first-round pick.

Hughes himself addressed the trade rumors, stating that he is focused on playing as well as he can for Vancouver and that there is nothing he can do to combat the speculation. He praised the Red Wings, acknowledging that they have some really good players and have done a good job through the draft.

Whether a trade materializes remains to be seen, but the Red Wings' interest in Hughes highlights their desire to improve their roster and compete for a playoff spot.