Canucks Trade Quinn Hughes to Wild for Rossi, Buium, Ohgren, and Pick
In a monumental trade reshaping the landscape of the NHL, the Minnesota Wild have acquired star defenseman Quinn Hughes from the Vancouver Canucks. This significant deal, possibly the largest in Wild history, sees the Canucks receive four high-value assets in return, including Marco Rossi, Zeev Buium, Liam Ohgren, and an unprotected first-round pick for the 2026 draft.
Trade Details
- Quinn Hughes – Defenseman, Norris Trophy winner
- Marco Rossi – 2020 first-round pick & former No. 1 center
- Zeev Buium – 2024 first-round pick, top prospect
- Liam Ohgren – 2022 first-round pick
- Unprotected 2026 first-round pick
Hughes, aged 26, is in the fifth year of a six-year contract, carrying an average annual value of $7.85 million. Significant speculation surrounds Hughes’s future, with rumors suggesting a desire to join his brothers in New Jersey or to play for his home state team, the Detroit Red Wings, when he becomes a free agent in July 2027.
Wild’s Expectations
The Minnesota Wild are positioning themselves as serious Stanley Cup contenders following this blockbuster deal. With a core featuring superstar Kirill Kaprizov, who recently signed the largest contract in NHL history, the franchise is eager to overcome a decade-long struggle of not advancing past the first playoff round.
Bill Guerin, the Wild’s president of hockey operations and general manager, aims for a competitive window over the next few years. Following significant buyouts and with improved financial flexibility, the Wild strategically opted for this formidable trade rather than pursuing free agency, which has become less impactful with soaring salary caps.
Impact of the Trade
While acquiring Hughes offers no guarantees for a long-term extension, it indeed boosts the team’s competitive outlook for the immediate future. Having a top-tier defenseman will enhance their playoff aspirations. Recent improvements indicated by victories against key contenders bolster the Wild’s confidence as they aim for greater postseason success.
This trade offloads significant future assets, including Rossi, a promising center recovering from injury, and Buium, who made his NHL playoff debut last season. The acquisition of Hughes positions the Wild with a premier defenseman who can impact every game situation. As the franchise continues to evolve, the success of this transaction will ultimately depend on their performance in the upcoming playoffs.
In conclusion, the Quinn Hughes trade marks a decisive move for the Minnesota Wild, showcasing their ambition to cement themselves as playoff contenders in the NHL.
