NHL News: Elias Pettersson’s Canucks reportedly running out of time amid Quinn Hughes drama

The Vancouver Canucks seem to be jumping from one dramatic storyline to the next in the NHL. After putting the Elias Pettersson-J.T. Miller rift to rest, the organization in Vancity is now dealing with an ongoing tug-of-war with their franchise player, Quinn Hughes. According to recent reports, the clock is ticking for the Canucks.

Vancouver simply cannot catch a break as of late—not even during the NHL offseason. While the front office focuses on the expiring deals and hopes to re-sign some key players, Hughes’ future in Vancouver has been put on halt as the star defenseman is discouraged by the recent events.

Hughes is under contract with the Canucks for the upcoming two NHL seasons, as he signed a six-year extension before the 2021-22 campaign. However, the front office in Vancouver (led by Patrick Allvin and Jim Rutherford) is eager to lock down the 25-year-old blueliner for the long-term future in British Columbia. Those aspirations have come across some bumps on the road, however.

Hughes is the franchise’s lynchpin—every free agent will want clarity on his status before engaging in negotiations with the Canucks. Even players already on the roster, like Elias Pettersson, are heavily invested in Hughes’ future.

The organization is beginning to realize the ripple effects of recent seasons, where one issue has triggered another in a domino effect. The team could withstand Miller’s deparure, or Rick Tocchet moving on, but if Hughes departs, it would serve as the final nail in the coffin for the franchise still hoping for its first Stanley Cup. Vancouver must make a move fast, or the buzz surrounding Hughes will be unbearable going forward. Insider Elliotte Friedman certainly thinks so.

“Canucks are absolutely on the clock when it comes to Quinn Hughes. Hughes is going to start saying ‘I don’t want to be somewhere where I’m not gonna win’ at some point,” Friedman said in dialogue with Sportsnet’s The FAN Hockey Show.

Maple Leafs reportedly pursue Canucks’ talent

The Toronto Maple Leafs have enough on their plate as it currently stands in the NHL. After yet another playoff exit in the earlier rounds, the noise in Toronto is at an all-time high, with all signs pointing to Mitch Marner moving on to become an unrestricted free agent.

There aren’t many players as talented as Marner in the league, let alone available in free agency, but Toronto has reportedly set its sight on a potential replacement. According to Maple Leafs Daily, Auston Matthews and company could be joined by Canucks forward Brock Boeser, who is expected to become an UFA on July 1st.

It would be a significant loss for Pettersson, Hughes, and the Canucks, who would then face the challenge of finding a suitable replacement. For those speculating about a potential swap involving Mitch Marner and Brock Boeser, expectations should be tempered—Marner has reportedly made it clear he has no interest in signing with another Canadian NHL team.

New staff

Ahead of the 2025-26 NHL season, Rick Tocchet moved out to sign with the Philadelphia Flyers, while former assistant coach, Adam Foote, was promoted to head coach. Now, the Canucks have announced Kevin Dean, Brett McLean, and Scott Young will serve as assistant coaches.