The crazy trade the Devils almost made for Quinn Hughes

Just last week, the NHL witnessed a blockbuster trade as the Vancouver Canucks sent their captain and star blue liner Quinn Hughes to the Minnesota Wild. In return, Vancouver received a substantial haul: young defenseman Zeev Buium, center Marco Rossi, forward Liam Öhgren, and a 2026 first-round pick. A package equivalent to roughly four first-round selections in total.

But Minnesota wasn’t the only team in the running. Reports indicate that six NHL teams seriously pursued Hughes, including the Detroit Red Wings, New York Rangers, Philadelphia Flyers, and New Jersey Devils.

The Devils’ reported offer, aimed at reuniting Quinn with his two younger brothers, was eye-popping. To say the least.

According to Rachel Kryshak and Greg Wyshynski of ESPN, the package would have included Simon Nemec, Dawson Mercer, Anton Silayev, and a first-round pick — all structured with the expectation that Hughes would sign an extension with New Jersey.

Clearly, the Devils’ interest was real, but the asking price proved too steep. While it’s the only reported trade package that included a guaranteed extension, it still would have been a massive gamble for the franchise.

Could Quinn Hughes end up in New Jersey as an unrestricted free agent in 2026? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: the trade chatter surrounding Hughes isn’t going away anytime soon.