Canucks' internal stance: 'They feel it's better to trade Hughes this season,' barring one key factor
Photo credit: Edit from Canucks Army
NHL insider Rick Dhaliwal revealed that the Canucks feel it's better to trade Quinn Hughes this season if he is unable to agree to a contract extension.
On some nights, the atmosphere in a given game becomes apparent from the start. Case in point: in game three on their road trip, the visiting Vancouver Canucks were flying high from their previous win in Tampa Bay, looking like they had enough energy to pull off yet another upset.
It was clean passing, sharp energy, and for about the first 10 minutes, it looked like maybe a tired team could have one last pulse.
They asserted themselves early, jumping out to a 2-0 advantage, even testing Sergei Bobrovsky, making him look almost human. For a moment, there was a possibility they might pull an ambush on the Panthers, just like they did on the Lightning.
This type of game will push Quinn Hughes further away from the Canucks
And then the legs disappeared. Florida took over, with the end result being an 8-5 loss. These aren't really the types of contests Quinn Hughes wants to be stuck in at this stage in his young career.
Hughes was again breathtaking, notching three assists, controlling the pace, though he sat out the match prior with an injury.
He is now with 20 points in 16 games, second in the NHL among defensemen, while his composure with the puck is impressive, no matter what's going on with his teammates.
But in addition to last night, there's an increasing concern for his long-term future.
Why everyone is suddenly concerned for Quinn Hughes' future
NHL insider Rick Dhaliwal, of CHEK Sports, reported that the organisation believes if Hughes isn't ready to commit for the long term, it would be better to trade him this season rather than take the risk of losing leverage or entering another uncertain negotiation window.
"Internally they feel it's better to trade Hughes this season IF he's not ready to commit to the Canucks long-term."
- Rick Dhaliwal via Taj
- Rick Dhaliwal via Taj
For now, Hughes is again the most composed player on the ice, with his presence responsible for some level of competitiveness in contests like these. But for how long?
| POLL | ||
NOVEMBRE 19 | 235 ANSWERS Canucks' internal stance: 'They feel it's better to trade Hughes this season,' barring one key factor Will the Canucks and Quinn Hughes come to a contract agreement? | ||
| Yes | 111 | 47.2 % |
| No | 124 | 52.8 % |
| List of polls | ||