The Detroit Red Wings, a team steeped in hockey tradition, have been the subject of "what if" scenarios involving some of the league's brightest stars. Among the most tantalizing of these hypotheticals is the thought of Quinn Hughes, the dynamic defenseman, donning the Winged Wheel. While it remains a dream for many, the near-miss of Hughes landing in Detroit has recently resurfaced, adding fuel to the "what if" fire.
Recent reports indicate that Hughes himself was keen on joining the Red Wings before his trade from the Vancouver Canucks to the Minnesota Wild. Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman revealed that Hughes had Detroit on his preferred destination list. The appeal is understandable; Hughes has strong ties to Michigan, having played there for the United States National Team Development Program and the University of Michigan.
However, General Manager Steve Yzerman, known for his shrewd and patient approach, was unwilling to meet Vancouver's asking price without a guarantee that Hughes would sign a contract extension. This reluctance ultimately led to Hughes being dealt to Minnesota in exchange for Marco Rossi, Liam Ohgren, Zeev Buium, and a 2026 first-round pick.
Yzerman's hesitation stemmed from a desire to avoid mortgaging the future without long-term cost certainty. The Red Wings have been in a rebuilding phase, and Yzerman has been careful not to sacrifice valuable assets for short-term gains. He was likely unwilling to part with key young players like Simon Edvinsson, a defenseman highly regarded within the organization. Some reports suggest that Edvinsson was the sticking point in negotiations, a player Yzerman was unwilling to part with.
The question remains: did Yzerman make the right call? Some argue that missing out on Hughes was a mistake, a missed opportunity to acquire an elite defenseman who could have transformed Detroit's blue line. Hughes is a game-changer, a player who can quarterback a power play and drive offense from the back end. He's been a Norris Trophy winner, demonstrating his exceptional talent and impact.
Others contend that Yzerman's prudence was justified. Giving up a significant package of prospects and draft picks for a player who could potentially leave in free agency after the 2026-27 season would have been a risky move. The Red Wings have been building through the draft, and Yzerman is keen on maintaining a sustainable foundation for long-term success.
Detroit's defensive needs remain a priority. The team is looking to bolster its blue line, potentially targeting players with contracts extending beyond the current season. The Red Wings' top defensive pairing of Edvinsson and Moritz Seider has shown promise, but the team needs more depth and experience on the back end.
As for Hughes, he's making a significant impact in Minnesota, quickly becoming a key player for the Wild. He is not eligible to sign a contract extension until July 1st, 2026. The Red Wings will undoubtedly be a team to watch if Hughes reaches free agency in 2027.
For now, the thought of Hughes in a Red Wings jersey remains a tantalizing "what if." Whether Yzerman's gamble will pay off remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: the Red Wings' pursuit of a top-tier defenseman is far from over.
