Quinn Hughes' future with Canucks in doubt amid growing buzz of Devils family reunion

The Vancouver Canucks find themselves at a potential crossroads with one of their franchise cornerstones. Despite serving as captain and delivering a standout campaign in 2024–25, Quinn Hughes continues to be linked to his brothers — Jack and Luke Hughes — fueling rumors of a possible move to the New Jersey Devils once his contract expires.

The speculation intensified this week when a national television segment spotlighted how family ties may shape Quinn’s long-term future. Though still under contract through 2027, Hughes’ name has emerged in conversations not centered on trade talks — but rather on a carefully timed reunion down the line.

As the Canucks attempt to solidify their roster for the coming seasons, questions are mounting about whether they can keep their captain anchored in Vancouver amid the allure of joining his brothers in New Jersey.

Could Quinn Hughes join his brothers in New Jersey?

NHL Network analyst Mike Johnson raised eyebrows when he suggested that Quinn might eventually follow his younger brother Luke, currently a restricted free agent, and join both siblings in New Jersey. Johnson framed it as a calculated plan — one that could involve Luke signing a short-term deal with the intention of reuniting the family on the same roster within two years.

ack Hughes #86 and Luke Hughes #43 of the New Jersey Devils converse against the New York Rangers during the third period at Prudential Center on December 23, 2024 in Newark, New Jersey. (Photo by Luke Hales/Getty Images)

“If you’re Luke, you say, ‘I’ll take four (years) and I’ll take $28 (million),’ and then you’re back to it,” Johnson said. “Your brother (Jack) is going to be on the team, too… Very likely, the other brother, Quinn, is two years away—he might be coming as well.”

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While speculative, Johnson’s remarks echoed the tone of a broader narrative that has lingered since Quinn entered the league — that a family reunion with Jack and Luke was inevitable, only a matter of timing and cap flexibility.

Canucks president acknowledges possibility of departure

During the Canucks’ end-of-season press conference, team president Jim Rutherford gave one of the clearest signals yet that the organization is aware of the family factor at play. His comments, though diplomatic, admitted a degree of uncertainty about Hughes’ future beyond his current deal.

“This franchise cannot afford to lose a guy like Quinn Hughes,” Rutherford said. “We will do everything we can to keep him here, but at the end of the day, it’ll be his decision.”

Rutherford even referenced the potential pull of Quinn’s siblings when asked whether family dynamics might influence the captain’s long-term plans. “(Quinn) said before, he wants to play with his brothers,” he noted.

At 25, Hughes is in his prime and under contract at a $7.85 million cap hit through 2026–27. He’s coming off a dominant season with 76 points in 68 games, cementing himself as one of the NHL’s elite defensemen. But as his contract clock ticks and the idea of a Hughes trio gains traction, the Canucks may soon face the challenge of retaining a generational talent with deep family ties elsewhere.