NHL News: Elias Pettersson’s Canucks reportedly running into significant Quinn Hughes problem ahead of crucial free agency

It feels like the Vancouver Canucks can’t avoid running into trouble—mostly self-inflicted—in the NHL. Now, as the organization sets its sights on league free agency, hoping to surround Elias Pettersson and company with more talent, they’re reportedly running head-first into more question marks surrounding star defenseman Quinn Hughes‘ future.

The Canucks have had anything but a smooth-sailing journey in 2025. Rick Tocchet moved on from the team in British Columbia after the 2024-25 NHL season and assistant coach Adam Foote has been named as his replacement. The rift between J.T. Miller and Elias Pettersson was the biggest storyline throughout the campaign, and the team can’t seem to steer the spotlight elsewhere.

Going into the offseason, preseason, and finally the 2025-26 regular season, the Canucks face several battles on different fronts—but perhaps none bigger than Hughes’ contract extension. Although the oldest brother of the most famous trio in the NHL is under contract through the 2026-27 campaign, Vancouver hopes to reach a new deal as soon as possible in hopes of locking him in for the long-term future and avoiding an even bigger bill down the road.

However, things aren’t looking great for the Canucks’ plans, as Hughes isn’t showing many signs of re-signing a new deal and might want to wait until his contract year before making a decision.

Elias Pettersson #40 of the Vancouver Canucks waits for a face-off during the first period of their NHL game against the Boston Bruins at Rogers Arena on February 25, 2023 in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.

Such uncertainty surrounding the franchise’s top player could come back to bite the Canucks during free agency, as they try to convince players to join a team that’s been through the wringer lately—and the tide doesn’t seem to be turning anytime soon.

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Hughes’ uncertainty, huge dilemma

“I think that what’s happened is the instability this year has really hurt [Vancouver’s standing for free agents],” insider Elliotte Friedman said on the Donnie and Dhali podcast. “A lot of these guys want to go where they can win, this was a tough year. Everybody knows what the situation was this year. So yeah, it has hurt the standing of the Canucks in the league. I think that the uncertainty around Hughes is another one that’s going to lead to a few questions here and there.

“I think some of the top players will want to know. If your’re coming to Vancouver long-term, you’re going to want to know if you’re going to be playing with a guy like [Hughes] long-term. There’s no doubt after what happened last year Vancouver’s rating has dropped down for free agents.”

Quinn Hughes #43 of the Vancouver Canucks before the game at Climate Pledge Arena on March 01, 2025 in Seattle, Washington.

Keep an eye out for Pettersson

The Canucks forward Elias Pettersson is coming off a rough year in Vancouver, which included offseason drama after he skipped town to gear up for the season back in Sweden, much to the dismay of the Canucks’ coaching staff and front office.

According to reports from Daily Faceoff, Pettersson is one player the Canucks might be looking to part ways with before the new league year on July 1st, when a no-movement clause (NMC) is activated in the 26-year-old’s contract, which runs through the 2031-32 season.

“This is a massive summer for Pettersson, whether he’s skating with the Canucks in October or elsewhere,” Frank Seravalli commented about Pettersson’s situation in Vancouver. “He says an injury prevented a normal offseason of training last summer; the Canucks have been very clear about their disappointment on how he arrived to camp. So, ahead of a full no-trade clause kicking in on July 1, will Vancouver check his market value this summer? Will they seek to cut ties? Or will they roll the dice and hope his game rebounds to where it was two seasons ago?