The recent trade of Quinn Hughes to the Minnesota Wild has sent shockwaves throughout the NHL, prompting discussions about whether other teams, including the Toronto Maple Leafs, possessed the assets to acquire the star defenseman. While the Leafs undoubtedly would have benefited from Hughes's elite skill set, a closer examination reveals a complex picture of their trade capabilities.

What the Canucks wanted

The Vancouver Canucks, in dealing Hughes, were reportedly seeking a substantial return, prioritizing young roster players, high-end prospects, and unprotected first-round draft picks. The actual trade saw Minnesota give up forward Marco Rossi, winger Liam Öhgren, defenseman Zeev Buium, and a 2026 first-round pick. All three players were former first-round picks. This hefty package sets a benchmark for what the Canucks deemed appropriate value for a player of Hughes's caliber.

Toronto's Asset Pool

The Maple Leafs, under General Manager Brad Treliving, have been active in the trade market in recent years, which has both strengthened their roster and depleted their prospect pool. As of late 2025, their most valuable trade chips likely included:

• Easton Cowan: A top prospect and former OHL MVP, Cowan is considered one of the Leafs' best assets. His potential as a playmaker with a bit of "snarl" makes him attractive to other teams.
• Ben Danford: A defensive prospect drafted 31st overall in 2024, Danford has generated buzz as a potential World Junior player for Team Canada.
• 2028 First-Round Pick: The Leafs have traded away their 2026 and 2027 first-round picks, making their 2028 selection more valuable.
• NHL-Ready Goaltenders: With a strong goaltending tandem of Anthony Stolarz and Joseph Woll, and the emergence of Dennis Hildeby, the Leafs could potentially trade from a position of strength.

Could Toronto have matched the Wild's offer?

It's debatable whether the Maple Leafs could have assembled a package that the Canucks would have preferred over Minnesota's offer. Here's a breakdown of potential sticking points:

• Top-Six Center: The Canucks were reportedly interested in acquiring a top-six center. However, the Leafs were unlikely to part with Auston Matthews or John Tavares. Marco Rossi, who the Wild gave up, is a young center who had a 60-point season in 2024-25.
• Defensive Replacement: Some analysts suggested that the Canucks might have been interested in Morgan Rielly, a top-pairing defenseman with a similar cap hit to Hughes. However, it's unclear if the Canucks would have viewed Rielly as a long-term replacement or whether the Leafs would have been willing to trade their alternate captain.
• Prospect Value: Zeev Buium, a dynamic left-handed defenseman, is considered by some to be the most highly regarded prospect in the trade. It's questionable whether the Leafs had a defensive prospect of comparable value to offer.

Other Considerations

Even if the Leafs had the assets, other factors could have influenced the Canucks' decision:

• Hughes's Preferences: It's possible that Hughes himself preferred a move to Minnesota, or that his agent communicated a reluctance to sign long-term in Toronto.
• Contract Negotiations: Hughes is eligible to become an unrestricted free agent after the 2026-27 season. The Canucks may have been concerned about their ability to re-sign him, prompting them to seek a trade rather than risk losing him for nothing.

The Verdict

While the Toronto Maple Leafs possessed some enticing trade assets, it's not definitively clear whether they could have constructed a package that would have surpassed the Minnesota Wild's offer for Quinn Hughes. The Canucks' specific needs, Hughes's potential preferences, and the Leafs' reluctance to part with key roster players and top prospects likely played a role in the final outcome. The trade underscores the high price commanded by elite defensemen in today's NHL and the challenges teams face in acquiring such talent.