NHL Rumors: 2 More Suitors Emerge in Quinn Hughes Sweepstakes
Despite his club's best efforts to quiet the noise, Quinn Hughes’ future with the Vancouver Canucks is suddenly one of the league’s biggest storylines, and the list of suitors keeps getting longer.
After early links to the Detroit Red Wings, New Jersey Devils, and Philadelphia Flyers, new reporting from The Fourth Period’s David Pagnotta now says Carolina Hurricanes and Washington Capitals have both made their interest known.
Both teams see a rare chance to chase a franchise-altering defenseman still in his prime, and with Vancouver struggling and extension talks uncertain, the window to strike may be open.
Why Carolina and Washington Want In
For the Hurricanes, Hughes represents the long-term offensive force they could eventually lose when Shayne Gostisbehere’s contract expires. Carolina also has cap flexibility, a deep prospect pool, and NHL-ready players that Vancouver covets.
quinn hughes, known carolina hurricanes fan 🙂↕️🙂↕️ https://t.co/hDpcLfhyzW pic.twitter.com/ivsS9FJZTY
— rea!! (@stingrearea) September 6, 2024
Washington, meanwhile, has surged back to the top of the Eastern standings and appears prepared to make an aggressive push while the Alex Ovechkin era is still alive. Elliotte Friedman even floated the Capitals as a sleeper candidate, pointing out how seamlessly Hughes could transition into the post-John Carlson future.
What the Canucks Want and Who Can Pay It
The Canucks aren’t moving Hughes without a haul, and insiders widely expect Vancouver to demand a young top-six center as the foundation of any deal. That factor alone could give the Red Wings or Devils an edge, but Carolina’s volume of high-end prospects and Washington’s ability to dangle players like Connor McMichael keep both teams in the race.
"They are trying to maximize their window to win while Ovechkin is still on the team"@JeffMarek and @wyshynski weigh @RachelKryshak's idea of Washington stepping in as a trade partner for Vancouver to maximize the final two years of Quinn Hughes’ contract#ALLCAPS https://t.co/cMmAyid0pi pic.twitter.com/K2Hs78QhwP
— The Sheet with Jeff Marek (@thesheethockey) December 10, 2025
Whether Vancouver actually pulls the trigger midseason is still uncertain, but the smoke around Hughes is now thick enough that teams are treating his availability as real.
Photo Credit: William Liang-Imagn Images
