Massive trade for Quinn Hughes fell apart in Philly because of Matvei Michkov

Just last week, the NHL saw a massive trade as the Vancouver Canucks dealt their captain and star defenseman Quinn Hughes to the Minnesota Wild.

In return, Vancouver received a significant haul: young defenseman Zeev Buium, center Marco Rossi, forward Liam Öhgren, and a 2026 first-round pick.

All told, the package amounts to the equivalent of four first-round picks heading to the Canucks in exchange for Hughes.

The Wild were not alone in the sweepstakes. Reports indicate that six NHL teams seriously pursued Hughes, including the Detroit Red Wings, New York Rangers, Philadelphia Flyers, and New Jersey Devils.

Numerous rumors circulated regarding the Flyers’ interest in the star defenseman, but according to The Fourth Period journalist David Pagnotta, talks ultimately fell apart because Flyers general manager Daniel Briere refused to include highly touted young forward Matvei Michkov, who was a key request from Vancouver.

After a difficult start to the season stemming from concerns about his offseason commitment, Michkov has begun to find his stride, recording eight goals and ten assists for 18 points in 32 games.

Pagnotta also reports that the Flyers were unwilling to include power forward Porter Martone, their most recent first-round selection from the latest NHL Draft, in trade discussions.

All signs point to Philadelphia’s interest being very real, but the asking price proved too steep, especially without any guarantee that Hughes would commit to staying with the organization beyond his current contract.

And so the deal with the Flyers fell through and now Hughes is in Minnesota.