Leave it to Jack Hughes to give NHL fans and media something to talk about. At the NHL Media Tour in Las Vegas, Nev., New Jersey Devils star Jack Hughes made some eyebrow-raising comments about his desire to play with his older brother, Vancouver Canucks defenseman Quinn. Jack said that maybe it's in New Jersey, or potentially elsewhere at another time.
Of course, Canucks fans entered a panic, considering Quinn is their best player on the roster and losing him would be damaging to the team as a whole. But Quinn may have calmed the nerves of those fans.
Sportsnet NHL insider Elliotte Friedman interviewed Quinn at the NHL Media Tour, and shared it on his 32 Thoughts podcast. Of course, Quinn then got into the comments his younger brother Jack made about teaming up. Quinn downplayed them, saying "what's he supposed to say?"
"I don't even think it's a big deal. Like, I got off the plane yesterday and Victoria was tellingme about it. But I'm like 'what's he supposed to say that he doesn't want to play with me?' Like, he's not going to say that. But like, I would love to play with [Jack and Luke]...
"...it'd be very cool.But I mean, I'm really looking forward to this year in Vancouver,. justbecause I feel like it's a challenge tome to see if we can have a successful year and make this a successful organization, which I think we can do. And I'm looking forward to that challenge. And as far as Jack, I think that he's going to do the same thing with New Jersey."
Quinn Hughes comments on playing on same team as young brother and Devils star Jack
Of course Quinn would welcome the opportunity to play alongside his younger brothers. But he's focused on turning the corner with the Canucks. The clockis ticking though, since he. has two more seasons remaining on his contract before hitting free agency.
Quinn commented on his future in Vancouver, citing how much of a disaster last season was for the Canucks. But Quinn said that he'll answer that "with my actions next summer."
"As far as this year, I just feel like last year was a failure and I want to propel my game even further and propel my teammates even further and see what we can do. And as far as that question, I mean, I'll answer that, you know, with my actions next summer," said Hughes. "But I mean, you know how it is. Anything can change. If we have, you know, a terrible year this year, that's probably not going to be very fun. But if we have a terrific year, you know, that's what we want. That'll be really fun. Like two years ago was really, really fun, so just leave it at that."
The Canucks better hope that things don't reach the levels of messiness as last season. There was the noted and reported beef between J.T. Miller and Elias Pettersson, which ultimately led to the former being traded to his former team, the New York Rangers. Then, there was missing out on playoff contention, one year removed from making a run in the playoffs. Then, there was head coach Rick Tocchet letting his contract expired and opted to leave, leading to him signing with the Philadelphia Flyers.
Quinn hopes that this year will be better for him and the team. After all, he did deal with a torn ligament in his hand, a torn oblique, and a groin injury, forcing him to miss time for the Canucks and for Team USA in the 4 Nations Face-Off.
As for his future in Vancouver, it sounds like he is taking things one year at a time.