Overview
- Minnesota acquired Hughes from Vancouver for Zeev Buium, Marco Rossi, Liam Öhgren and a 2026 first-round pick.
- Wild GM Bill Guerin said the package Vancouver accepted was his first offer, made immediately to signal seriousness.
- Agent Pat Brisson told interested teams no extension could be guaranteed, a stance reporters say cooled some suitors.
- Multiple clubs made real bids — including the Devils, Red Wings and Rangers — with Buffalo and Carolina showing interest, and reporting indicates New Jersey’s cap limitations hindered its pursuit.
- Vancouver leadership and analysts now frame the deal as the start of a rebuild, and Buium marked his Canucks debut with a goal and an assist.