The latest on all the Quinn Hughes speculation
Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet: So, after a bad start to the season, and telling everyone that you’re willing to listen to calls on veterans, it’s no surprise that teams are asking the Vancouver Canucks about Quinn Hughes. Throw in Jim Rutherford liking to make moves early, and it’s the perfect storm.
Multiple sources have denied the speculation that Hughes told the Canucks last offseason that he wasn’t interested in signing an extension come July. Don’t think they expected all this speculation, this early in the season.
One executive said the asking price for Hughes is “outrageous.” The ask has to be really high as the Canucks need to get this right.
Acquiring a young, impactful center is ideal, but may not be key if assets are made up elsewhere. They could wait until the draft if they don’t like the offers they’re getting, but it’s a lot of extra noise around the team.
Teams linked are the New Jersey Devils, Detroit Red Wings, Washington Capitals, New York Rangers, Philadelphia Flyers, Pittsburgh Penguins, and Carolina Hurricanes. Don’t think Caps would move their best young guys. Don’t see a trade fit with the Rangers. The Flyers don’t have a center. Sources nixed the Penguins’ idea.
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The Utah Mammoth have the assets, but Western teams have basically been ignored. Speculation is he would prefer the East, but he has no-trade protection, and another year on his contract.
Some teams think the Capitals might interest him for two years to take a run at the Cup with Alex Ovechkin.
The Canucks could hold on to Hughes and promise a massive eight-year offer come July 1st. Next September 15th, players can only sign for seven years max and there are more bonus restrictions.
The list of potential Quinn Hughes suitors grows
The Fourth Period: Add the New York Rangers to the list of teams that have shown interest in Quinn Hughes, according to David Pagnotta, joining the Detroit Red Wings, New Jersey Devils and Philadelphia Flyers.
It’s not known if the Vancouver Canucks would seriously consider trading Hughes. Some don’t think it’s an in-season deal.
Pagnotta also mentioned on DFO Rundown that the Carolina Hurricanes and Washington Capitals have shown some interest, and adds.
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“I keep being told that Quinn Hughes and his agent hold all the cards in this at the end of the day, which depending on who you talk to, some believe that’s the case, others say it’s the Canucks because they have full control.”
Elliotte Friedman wondered on Monday if the Pittsburgh Penguins would be another team that might be interested.
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