4 Young Teams That Can Quench Canucks' Thirst For Center In Hughes Trade

It seems inevitable that Quinn Hughes is going to be traded by the Vancouver Canucks, it's just a matter of how soon. The team is in last place in the NHL and is not looking like they can pull anything together with the skill and the injuries.

Nick Kypreos said, "Could Detroit be one of those teams? They have what it would take to quench Vancouver's thirst for young centers. Anaheim, Chicago, and San Jose are others that could get involved in this." It's not so much a Quinn Hughes is a lock to go to the New Jersey Devils to play with his brothers immediately anymore. They will all play together at some point, but for everything to work in the prime of their careers, it would take a lot and might be easier done in free agency when Quinn is the next one up.

If the Detroit Red Wings are to get a deal done, one of Marco Kasper or Nate Danielson will absolutely be involved in the trade, but a darkhorse addition could be Amadeus Lombardi, currently in the AHL. All of these players are in the NHL or ready for a chance. If the Canucks are getting younger and want those pieces, these are the ideal targets from Detroit, who are trying to win.

The Anaheim Ducks are an interesting one, because would they trade Mason McTavish in a deal? He's young and is a top-6 center, but just signed a new deal and the team doesn't need to clear money out to get a Hughes trade done. Leo Carlsson is untouchable, so as far as young centers go, Roger McQueen could be the main piece, along with one of the young defensemen.

The Chicago Blackhawks have no shortage of young players or young centers, but Connor Bedard isn't moving and I believe Frank Nazar is safe after his breakout. That leaves talent like Anton Frondell, Sacha Boisvert, and Mason West. Frondell, being the third overall pick, could be the main piece going back that could get a deal done. He has been developing nicely and hasn't hurt his stock ahead of coming to the NHL.

As for the San Jose Sharks, what makes the most sense is Michael Misa. He's NHL-ready, but currently injured. The other young center options would be Macklin Celebrini and Will Smith, who are good friends and linemates. A long-shot that the Canucks could just see thrown in would be Filip Bystedt too.

This Hughes situation is going to be the top of the news with lots of speculation until something happens, and whoever acquires him from the Canucks will have to give up a lot.