The Vancouver Canucks head into the 2025-26 season with a bit of an unusual situation on their hands. The club is looking to build on its core, while simultaneously facing the possibility of its captain skipping town in a couple of seasons.
That sort of uncertainty would be enough to drive even the grittiest of GMs mad. But there could be a situation unfolding in New Jersey that might just help the Canucks stay on course.
The Devils are currently locked in a contract standoff with RFA Luke Hughes. That’s Luke Hughes, as in Quinn Hughes’ brother.
The situation unfolding for the Devils seems awfully interesting. Earlier this year, the talk was that Quinn could bolt for New Jersey to play with his brothers. Canucks President Jim Rutherford stated that the team would do everything in its power to keep their captain in town.
So, it could be that Rutherford has an opportunity to put his money where his mouth is. The longer the contract standoff between the Devils and Luke Hughes goes on, the greater the chances New Jersey is forced to make a move.
Could that situation open a door for the Canucks?
It’s a possibility. It’s not one that fans may want to be on, but it’s an opportunity, nonetheless. That’s why the Canucks should keep a close eye on what’s unfolding in New Jersey. Each day that passes without Luke Hughes inking an extension with the Devils increases the Canucks’ chances of keeping their captain long term.
Is a Canucks-Devils trade involving Luke Hughes realistic?
Let’s get one thing clear. This discussion isn’t about suggesting that the reason for Luke’s holdout is that he wants to go to Vancouver. But it just so happens that the timing of it seems awfully convenient.
Sometimes, the universe has mysterious ways of steering events to one direction or another.
But the fact is that a Canucks-Devils trade involving Luke Hughes is minuscule at this time. The last thing the Devils would want is to part ways with their prized RFA blueliner. For New Jersey, Luke Hughes is the future of their blue line.
If the Devils were to part with him, the return would need to make sense. Otherwise, moving Luke Hughes could become a massive regression for the club.
But then again, the standoff could get to the point where the Devils may have no choice. So, a trade may happen whether the Devils want to or not.
The reality is that sitting out isn’t an option for Hughes or the Devils. They face a December 1 deadline to sign. If he doesn’t, Hughes wouldn’t be able to play this season.
So, it could be that things will come to a head in November. It’ll come down to a question of sign, sit, or trade.