The Vancouver Canucks sent shockwaves through the NHL on Friday by trading their captain and star defenseman, Quinn Hughes, to the Minnesota Wild. In exchange, the Canucks received a package that includes forwards Marco Rossi and Liam Ohgren, defenseman Zeev Buium, and a first-round pick in the 2026 NHL Entry Draft. The move signals a significant shift for both franchises, with the Wild going "all-in" to contend for a Stanley Cup and the Canucks embarking on what appears to be a rebuild.
Canucks General Manager Patrik Allvin acknowledged the difficulty of trading a player of Hughes' caliber. "It's definitely not an easy day for the franchise," Allvin stated, recognizing Hughes' impact on the organization and his numerous records. He also noted the process had been ongoing for weeks as the Canucks realized Hughes' long-term future might not be in Vancouver. Allvin emphasized the team's focus on maximizing the return for Hughes, given the circumstances. Canucks president Jim Rutherford thanked Hughes for his time with the team, calling him "a great person, a great player, and one of the greatest Canucks of all time".
The return package centers around Marco Rossi, a 24-year-old forward who was drafted ninth overall by Minnesota in 2020. Rossi has accumulated 114 points (49 goals, 65 assists) in 202 games with the Wild, including 13 points (4 goals, 9 assists) this season. He recently signed a three-year, $15 million contract with an average annual value of $5 million. Rossi is seen as a cost-controlled center, a position of need for the Canucks.
Zeev Buium, a 20-year-old defenseman, is another key piece in the trade. Selected in the first round (12th overall) by the Wild in the 2024 NHL Draft, Buium is a highly touted prospect. Some scouts have even compared him to Cale Makar due to his potential impact on the game. He has 14 points in 31 NHL games this season. Buium has an impressive resume, including two gold medals at the World Juniors (2024 and 2025), a gold medal at the 2023 U-18 World Championships, and a National Championship with the University of Denver.
Liam Ohgren, a 21-year-old winger, was also a first-round pick by Minnesota (2022). The Canucks hope Ohgren can prove himself after a slow start to his career.
The Canucks also acquired an unprotected first-round pick in the 2026 NHL Entry Draft. With a strong draft class expected in 2026, this pick could provide the Canucks with another valuable asset for their future.
The trade comes amid a difficult season for the Canucks, who sit at the bottom of the league standings. The team has struggled despite Hughes' strong performance, as he led the Canucks in scoring at the time of the trade with 23 points in 26 games. There had been speculation about Hughes' long-term future in Vancouver, particularly after his brother Jack expressed a desire to play with him. Hughes' contract runs through the 2026-27 season, and he is not eligible for an extension until July 1, 2026.
Wild General Manager Bill Guerin acknowledged the difficulty of parting with young talent like Rossi, Buium, and Ohgren. However, he emphasized that opportunities to acquire a player of Hughes' caliber are rare. Hughes, 26, is considered one of the top defensemen in the league. In 459 career games with the Canucks, he recorded 432 points (61 goals, 371 assists), the most by a defenseman in franchise history.
