Quinn Hughes trade chatter intensifies as Original Six team engages with Canucks: 'There's a deal to be made'
NHL insider Elliotte Friedman revealed some big news today, saying he believes a deal is there to be had for Quinn Hughes between Detroit and Vancouver.
Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman reports that there has been a trade inquiry made to the Vancouver Canucks concerning star defenseman Quinn Hughes.
"I think teams are talking with the Canucks about it."
- Elliotte Friedman
- Elliotte Friedman
What Elliotte Friedman said about the Detroit Red Wings
On today's 32 Thoughts, Friedman said the Detroit Red Wings have expressed interest in defenseman Quinn Hughes.
"There's a deal to be made."
- Elliotte Friedman
- Elliotte Friedman
As with the previous update concerning a connection to the New Jersey Devils, no immediate action seems to be underway regarding Detroit, but Friedman believes it's looking more likely that it will eventually happen.
"I think there are talks going on around Hughes. It's just difficult to handicap how long it's going to take or where it's going to end up."
- Elliotte Friedman
- Elliotte Friedman
This represents the first report about the Red Wings' interest being legitimate. A week and a half ago, The Sheet's Jeff Marek included Detroit among interested parties in case Vancouver traded Hughes.
This would come in exchange for defensive prospect Simon Edvinsson. David Pagnotta of The Fourth Period indicated that Lucas Raymond may also be in line for a trade with Vancouver.
But as noted in a report today by Mitch Brown, relayed indirectly via David Pagnotta, Friedman indicates Vancouver would require a strong center in a trade for Hughes. A player such as Edvinsson would be far down a trade package.
Why Quinn Hughes has a connection to Detroit
There are strong connections between Hughes and Detroit. Prior to making his NHL debut, he spent almost four years in southeast Michigan with the U.S. National Team Development Program and with the University of Michigan Wolverines.
Curiously, Detroit picked Filip Zadina in 2018 while Hughes was still available. The Canucks picked Hughes seventh overall.
Having a Norris-quality defenseman such as Hughes would be a game-changer for the Red Wings, who possess a quality defenseman in Moritz Seider, who does not possess the scoring potential that Hughes has.
As of now, whether it be Detroit or New Jersey, it doesn't seem like a trade with the Canucks is imminent.
Nevertheless, with their current place in the standings and Hughes' impending free agency for next season, a trade for this rising star seems more likely than ever for any team.
| POLL | ||
DECEMBRE 8 | 82 ANSWERS Quinn Hughes trade chatter intensifies as Original Six team engages with Canucks: 'There's a deal to be made' Will Quinn Hughes be traded to the Red Wings? | ||
| Yes | 20 | 24.4 % |
| No | 62 | 75.6 % |
| List of polls | ||