Some concerning news has been revealed by Elliotte Friedman regarding Quinn Hughes' future with the Canucks, and he may not be there long-term.
The off-season has been tumultuous, and there has been uncertainty about Quinn Hughes' long-term future with the Canucks.
During the team's final availability meeting this season, Canucks president Jim Rutherford addressed a possible long-term contract extension for captain Hughes, now age 25. Hughes has a six-year, $47.1 million contract with a $7.85 million cap hit that extends to 2026-27 and was signed in October 2021.
'This franchise cannot afford to lose a guy like Quinn Hughes,' Rutherford said. 'We will do everything we can to keep him here, but at the end of the day, it'll be his decision.'
Elliotte Friedman believes Jim Rutherford hinted that the team could play without Hughes
On this week's edition of the 32 Thoughts program, Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman interpreted Rutherford's comments as a suggestion that the team would likely play without Hughes.
'I would say to me the bigger thing about that was, that was Jim Rutherford warning his fan base that it's possible Quinn Hughes might not be a lifelong Canuck,' Friedman said. 'That's what that told me.'
He theorized that the decision on signing the budding star defenceman may not have anything to do with salary.
Friedman also weighed in on fan speculation regarding a trade that would return Hughes to his brothers, Jack and Luke, both players with the New Jersey Devils. He stated that there is very little likelihood that this will occur.
The larger issue, Friedman opines, is if the Canucks are unable to give him a suitable on-ice situation and coaches, then Hughes may eventually ask to be traded out.
'If it's not solid there, I think they know they could lose him,' Friedman said. 'That's what that was about.'
Hughes had a breakout season, scoring 76 points in 68 games. Despite his productivity, though, the Canucks fell short and finished 38-30-14, six points behind a spot in the playoffs.
