The Detroit Red Wings could have the inside track on superstar defenseman Quinn Hughes. That inside track hinges on the Michigan ties that the Vancouver Canucks captain holds.
A September 25 report in The Hockey News explored those Michigan-based ties, citing Bob Duff’s comments in Detroit Hockey Now. Duff highlighted how Hughes played for the US National Team Development Program based in Plymouth, while also attending the University of Michigan.
Those interesting ties point toward Hughes potentially landing in Detroit, that is, if the Canucks ever choose to move Hughes. The former Norris Trophy winner has two years remaining on his current contract. While there is no indication that the Canucks could move Hughes now, that situation could change.
As the piece in The Hockey News discussed, another playoff miss this season could lead to hesitation on Hughes’ part to sign an extension. The 25-year-old blueliner will be eligible to sign an extension in Vancouver on July 1, 2026.
So, the Canucks have one more season to convince their captain they’re his best choice. Otherwise, the club may be forced to trade Hughes lest they risk letting him walk away for nothing.
Why Red Wings make most sense for Hughes
In addition to Hughes’ Michigan ties, the Red Wings offer a path forward that the Canucks may be hard-pressed to match. Detroit is an up-and-coming team with a bountiful prospect pipeline. That pipeline could allow the team to sustain success for some time to come.
Moreover, the Red Wings’ appeal could grow even further if the team can make the playoffs this season. Doing so would signal that the rebuild is finally over and the team is ready to enter a new era of competitiveness.
This entire discussion depends on the Canucks’ willingness to trade Hughes. It also solely hinges on Hughes’ willingness to waive his no-trade clause to come to Detroit. But then again, stranger things have happened in the NHL.
The Red Wings would be remiss if they didn’t at least kick the tires on Hughes. If there’s a chance that he could become available, the Wings must do whatever they can to land the franchise blueliner.
But then again, it may only be a matter of patience. Hughes is set to become a UFA in July 2027. So, Red Wings fans may need to wait a couple more seasons before Quinn Hughes comes home, sort of speaking.
As for how much it could cost to sign Hughes to an extension, that could largely depend on what the Colorado Avalanche do with Cale Makar. Makar’s extension could influence Hughes’ next deal. While that’s a discussion for another day, it’s a situation that Red Wings fans should keep an eye on, just in case.