Overview
- The outreach followed Vancouver’s recent signal that it was open for business, prompting due-diligence inquiries that expanded from pending UFAs to non-UFAs such as Hughes.
- Elliotte Friedman confirmed at least one conversation occurred and identified New Jersey and Detroit among teams that discussed the Canucks captain, while emphasizing nothing is imminent.
- Quinn Hughes said he was not part of any reported Canucks–Devils call and indicated he is aware such checks can happen.
- Additional clubs have been linked in reporting as potential suitors, including the Flyers, Rangers and Penguins, yet multiple outlets say Vancouver is not actively shopping Hughes.
- Key dates shaping trade calculus include the March 6, 2026 NHL deadline and July 1, 2026, when Hughes becomes eligible to sign an extension, which affects how willing teams are to part with premium assets without commitment.