The Vancouver Canucks find themselves in a precarious position with their star defenseman and captain, Quinn Hughes. As the team continues to struggle this season, trade rumors surrounding Hughes have intensified. While the Canucks may not be actively shopping him, the possibility of a trade is very real, especially with Hughes eligible for a contract extension next summer. The Canucks would prefer to deal him this season to maximize their return and decrease their risk of losing him for nothing. This situation evokes memories of the Toronto Maple Leafs' handling of Mitch Marner's contract negotiations, a scenario the Canucks must avoid.

The Canucks need to be proactive and strategic in managing Hughes' future. Waiting too long, as the Leafs arguably did with Marner, could diminish their leverage and potentially lead to a less favorable outcome. With Hughes, the Canucks have a valuable asset that could significantly aid in a rebuild or retooling of the team. Several teams have already expressed interest in Hughes, including the New Jersey Devils, Detroit Red Wings, Carolina Hurricanes, and Washington Capitals. Each team presents a different set of potential trade scenarios, making it crucial for the Canucks to carefully evaluate their options.

Here are four possible outcomes for a Quinn Hughes trade:

1. The New Jersey Devils Blockbuster: This scenario is fueled by the presence of Hughes' brothers, Jack and Luke, on the Devils' roster. The Devils are keen to unite the brothers, which could give them an edge in negotiations. A potential trade package could include young players like Simon Nemec and Dawson Mercer, along with draft picks. However, the Canucks must ensure they receive fair value, as the Devils' eagerness might lead them to offer less than Hughes' true worth.

2. The Detroit Red Wings Deal: The Red Wings, under General Manager Steve Yzerman, possess a wealth of young talent and draft picks. They could offer a package centered around prospects like Marco Kasper or Nate Danielson, along with a defenseman such as Simon Edvinsson and multiple first-round picks. Detroit's deep prospect pool makes them an attractive trade partner, but the Canucks must determine if the offered players fit their long-term vision.

3. The Carolina Hurricanes Surprise: The Hurricanes have consistently been a strong team in the Eastern Conference and possess the assets to make a significant move. They could offer a combination of young players, prospects, and draft capital. While the Canucks might target a player like Logan Stankoven, the Hurricanes may be unwilling to part with him after signing him to an eight-year extension.

4. The Washington Capitals Gamble: With Alex Ovechkin's career nearing its end, the Capitals might be tempted to make a bold move to contend for another Stanley Cup. They have a mix of prospects and young NHL players that could be of interest to the Canucks. However, the risk for the Capitals is that Hughes might not re-sign, making it a short-term rental. The Canucks must weigh the potential return against the uncertainty of Hughes' future in Washington.

Ultimately, the Canucks' decision on Quinn Hughes will shape the future of the franchise. They must avoid the pitfalls of the Marner situation and act decisively to secure the best possible outcome. Whether it's a trade with the Devils, Red Wings, Hurricanes, Capitals, or another team, the Canucks must ensure they receive a return that benefits the team's long-term goals. The next few months will be crucial in determining the fate of Quinn Hughes and the direction of the Vancouver Canucks.