How close Quinn Hughes came to joining his brothers in New Jersey

On Friday evening, the Vancouver Canucks traded their captain and star defenseman Quinn Hughes to Minnesota in return for Marco Ross (2020 first-round pick), Zeev Buium (2024 first-round pick), Liam Ohgren (2022 first-round pick) and the Wild’s unprotected 2026 first-round pick.

But according to Pierre LeBrun, “ the New Jersey Devils made what they feel was a strong first offer to Vancouver on Quinn Hughes but it didn’t generate enough traction obviously.”

Marco D'Amico added to LeBrun's report, saying that "Sources indicating New Jersey and Washington had strong enough options for packages to get it done for Quinn Hughes. But Minnesota upped the stakes and the deal was ultimately struck between the Wild and Canucks."

In recent days, the Wild had never really been in the conversation. It is believed the Wild jumped into the Hughes sweepstakes about a week ago. Hughes had been linked to the Carolina Hurricanes, Detroit Red Wings, Washington Capitals and New Jersey Devils, where younger brothers Jack and Luke play.

But they all came up short.

LeBrun also reports that " the Canucks got bonafide trade offers from 6 teams for Hughes."

"Obviously lots of teams called as Vancouver explored the market thoroughly, but am told the Canucks got bonafide trade offers from 6 teams for Hughes. As mentioned, NJ among them. But explains the quality of the return from Minnesota."

Earlier in the weeks leading to this huge transaction, it had been pointed out how the Canucks were asking for a sky high return price for their captain. The trade taking place on Friday by Minnesota confirms it.

And Quinn Hughes will not be joining his brother in Jersey… yet.