Canucks Trade Quinn Hughes To Wild For Three Players, Pick

The Canucks trade Quinn Hughes to Wild in a blockbuster NHL deal that reshapes both franchises, as Vancouver sent its captain and star defenseman to Minnesota in exchange for three young players and a valuable first-round draft pick, signaling a major shift in direction for the struggling Canucks while the Wild make an aggressive push to contend now.

The Vancouver Canucks made one of the most dramatic roster decisions in recent NHL history on Friday, trading team captain Quinn Hughes to the Minnesota Wild in a blockbuster, multi-asset deal.

In return, Vancouver acquired three NHL-ready players—defenseman Zeev Buium, center Marco Rossi, winger Liam Ohgren—along with a first-round draft pick.

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This move represents a major shift in direction for both franchises, signaling a rebuild for Vancouver and an aggressive “win-now” push by Minnesota.

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For the Minnesota Wild, the acquisition of Quinn Hughes reflects general manager Bill Guerin’s determination to contend immediately.

The move comes shortly after the team committed to Kirill Kaprizov with the richest contract in franchise history.

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Minnesota has struggled to advance in the postseason, failing to move beyond the first round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs since 2015. Adding an elite defenseman like Hughes is seen as a bold attempt to change that narrative.

Who The Canucks Receive In Return

The Canucks trade package was substantial and designed to restock the roster with young talent:

• Zeev Buium (20) – A 2024 first-round pick, Buium projects as a high-end puck-moving defenseman and potential power-play quarterback, capable of filling Hughes’ former role.
• Marco Rossi (24) – A skilled center and former first-round pick, Rossi brings offensive upside and NHL experience.
• Liam Ohgren (21) – Another former first-round selection, the winger adds speed and scoring potential.
• First-round draft pick – A critical asset for Vancouver’s long-term rebuild.

Vancouver reportedly evaluated at least six other offers, but ultimately felt Minnesota’s proposal offered the best overall value for the future.

Why A Hughes Trade Became Possible

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Although Hughes never requested a trade, circumstances in Vancouver made the move increasingly likely.

The Canucks entered Friday last in the Pacific Division with an 11-17-3 record and a minus-24 goal differential.

Late last month, the Vancouver front office informed other NHL teams that it was open to discussing trades involving pending unrestricted free agents.

While Hughes was not included in that list—and remains under contract through next season—the memo encouraged rival general managers to explore his availability, especially since Hughes had no trade protection.

Elite Resume And League-Wide Interest

Drafted in the first round in 2018, Quinn Hughes has developed into one of the NHL’s premier defensemen.

The 26-year-old won the Norris Trophy in the 2023–24 season after recording a career-high 92 points, helping Vancouver finish first in the standings that year.

He has also already been named to Team USA’s men’s hockey roster for the Olympics, reinforcing his status among the league’s elite.

Contract Outlook And Devils Rumors

Hughes will not be eligible to sign a contract extension with Minnesota until July 1. Around the league, many believed he was unlikely to re-sign in Vancouver once his deal expires in summer 2027.

Sources indicated Hughes preferred to play for a U.S.-based East Coast team. He spends his offseason in Michigan, and his brothers Jack Hughes and Luke Hughes both play for the New Jersey Devils.

New Jersey reportedly attempted to acquire Hughes to reunite the brothers, but could not match Minnesota’s final offer.

The Quinn Hughes trade marks a defining moment for both franchises. Minnesota gains a true No. 1 defenseman to support an immediate championship push, while Vancouver pivots toward a youth-driven rebuild with multiple high-value assets.

Whether this gamble pays off will shape both teams’ futures for years to come—but there is no doubt this deal will be remembered as one of the boldest in recent NHL history.

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