New Jersey Devils
Quinn Hughes Wants to Play With Devils Stars, Brothers
Jim Rutherford foreshadows the possibility of a Devils future for Quinn Hughes to play with his brothers on Monday in Vancouver.
Fans of the New Jersey Devils have longed for the day they could see the Hughes brothers play on the same team. The same can be said of Vancouver Canucks fans. Well, on Monday, Canucks President of Hockey Operations, Jim Rutherford, foreshadowed the possibility.
When addressing Vancouver media as a result of the Canucks 2024-25 season coming to an end, Rutherford was prompted on when he and general manager Patrik Allvin would begin discussing extension options for captain Quinn Hughes. Rutherford explained, whether that be in Vancouver or New Jersey, Quinn wants to play with his brothers at some point in his career.
“(Quinn) has said before he wants to play with his brothers. That would be partly out of our control. In our control if we brought his brothers here.”
Rutherford then followed his comments with, “This franchise cannot afford to lose a guy like Quinn Hughes, and we will do everything we can to keep him here.”
That’s certainly a big statement to unpack.
Jack Hughes, drafted first overall by the Devils in the 2019 NHL Draft, is the face of New Jersey’s franchise.
The youngest brother drafted fourth overall in 2021, Luke Hughes, isn’t far behind from sharing that mantra with Jack as a rising star defenseman on the Devils and in the NHL.
As of July 1st, Quinn is entering the fifth year of a six-year, $47.1 million contract and will be eligible to talk a contract extension on July 1st, 2026.
Perhaps Luke’s extension coming this summer as a pending restricted free agent will be an indicator of what’s to come in the future.
However, Jack is entering the fourth year of an eight-year contract on this July 1st, and he’s an unlikely candidate to be traded.
It’s certainly an interesting comment from the Canucks President who is navigating an uncertain future in Vancouver that includes Brock Boeser likely leaving this summer, and head coach Rick Tocchet’s future hanging in the balance.
As of now, all we know is Quinn wants to play with Jack and Luke. Where, if and when that happens, is to be determined. However, it seems like the path of least resistance for the eldest Hughes brother to come to New Jersey, as opposed for his younger brothers to leave for Vancouver.
Barring an unforeseen transaction, there’s A LOT of time before there’s a resolution, if there’s one at all. At the very least, Rutherford comments have made the scenario a legitimate possibility.
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