Overview
- Vancouver has not made Hughes available, and he has one year left on his contract before unrestricted free agency on July 1, 2027.
- Team president Jim Rutherford has said the Canucks would seek established young NHL players rather than draft-pick-heavy returns in any significant deal.
- Elliotte Friedman placed Detroit very high among potential destinations, citing the Red Wings’ ability to offer NHL centers that fit Vancouver’s stated needs.
- New Jersey and Philadelphia are also linked in reporting, with family ties boosting the Devils’ appeal and a Flyers source saying the club is interested but has not held talks and would not include Matvei Michkov or Porter Martone.
- Multiple outlets continue to publish hypothetical packages—such as Detroit proposals built around Nate Danielson or a Toronto one-for-one idea with Matthew Knies—though these remain speculative with no confirmed negotiations.