Quinn Hughes and the Canucks: 32 Key Insights

• Devils making an attempt to get enterprise carried out
• Why the cap is not more likely to rise greater than projected
• Destiny of the Olympics is with the gamers

Let’s open with a number of ideas on Quinn Hughes. All the pieces I believe I do know and admissions on what I don’t.

WE’RE HERE SOONER THAN EXPECTED

Again on the NHL/NHLPA media tour in Vegas, Hughes deflected questions on his future, stating his sole concern was getting off to an excellent begin. Everybody — together with each Hughes and the Canucks — thought we’d see how this season went, and go from there. Sadly, the Canucks aren’t wherever close to the place they hoped, and not too long ago let groups know they had been prepared to debate their veterans. 

That wasn’t presupposed to be about Hughes, however, as Brian Burke mentioned in 2005 after not realizing Joe Thornton’s availability till too late: if you happen to snooze, you lose. So that they requested. Rutherford’s fame for transferring early put different GMs on alert. Plus, you don’t need to transfer your greatest property elsewhere if Hughes is what you crave.

Earlier than they had been actually ready to, the Canucks needed to think about an acquisition price. And, Hughes needed to wrap his head across the reality he won’t end the season within the Decrease Mainland. There have been rumours Hughes knowledgeable the Canucks final summer time he wouldn’t re-sign, however this has been ferociously denied by a number of sources. I don’t suppose he was anticipating this when the puck dropped in October. 

That is what I’m least sure about. Vancouver has to get this proper. I’ve heard the ask may be very excessive, appropriately. One exec informed me it’s “outrageous.” I replied, “In all probability not outrageous sufficient.” He laughed. 

A younger, impactful centre is essential to them. A deal will not be not possible with out one, however it should require one thing particular to offset that need. I received a number of notes questioning if Detroit was “hiding” Marco Kasper Monday in Vancouver as a winger, however, as a lefty, he splits faceoffs with righty Nate Danielson, relying on the place it’s. That sport, he took six and Danielson 4.

Not not possible they wait till the draft, preferring no deal than a nasty deal. However all of this noise exists for a purpose. Talks are underway.

I all the time consider there are groups I don’t see. That is Quinn Hughes, for God’s sake. Who wouldn’t need him? 

New Jersey is apparent. I’ve been on Detroit for some time. Washington is round, however I don’t suppose the Canucks can snare the Capitals’ greatest younger gamers. I do know there’ve been solutions in regards to the Rangers, however I don’t see the commerce match. Philadelphia doesn’t have the centre, so what else can the Flyers provide you with? I discussed Pittsburgh, however a number of sources pooh-poohed this brainstorm.

Group I all the time assume tries: Carolina.

This, nevertheless, ignores the complete Western Convention. You already know who has plenty of picks and prospects? Utah. Which brings us to …

HOW MUCH SAY DOES HUGHES HAVE?

This can be a multi-layered query. 

Hughes doesn’t have no-trade or no-move safety. Subsequently, the Canucks can commerce him wherever they need, and have indicated they’re ready to do exactly that. Whereas it’s believed Hughes prefers East long-term, the Canucks may ship him West if a type of groups stepped up and took an opportunity. 

In fact, there’s no tampering within the NHL, however you may be sure any touchdown spot will need an thought if it appeals to the 2024 Norris Trophy winner. A number of groups consider Washington, relying on the value, would think about a two-year keep, as a result of there’d be one thing very particular about one other Stanley Cup run whereas Alexander Ovechkin stays a Capital. 

Once more, I all the time ask myself what I don’t see. 

There’s one possibility we haven’t thought of: the Canucks can’t lengthen Hughes till July 1, however nothing prevents them from speaking to him. They might promise eight years at a monster quantity. It could require Hughes committing for a number of extra seasons, with the understanding that if he doesn’t like what he sees at a sure level, he could be moved. 

On Sept. 15, 2026, new CBA contract guidelines kick-in, with most time period dropping to seven years and tighter limits on bonus funds. You’d suppose, if Hughes is traded, he’d get an extension earlier than then, nevertheless it’s not assured. And, if Vancouver holds him into subsequent yr, he won’t get one till the foundations change. 

My solely query is that if this could work. Hughes won’t get what the Canucks are prepared to do some other place, however he’s nonetheless going to be handsomely paid. If he doesn’t consider in what’s round him, I don’t see this working.

Plenty of variables, little doubt. Which path is basically the Canucks’ selection.

1. Finest quote from the Board of Governors: Was speaking with an govt about how shut the standings are. I mentioned there was once a joke about long-time NFL commissioner Pete Rozelle wanting pure parity, each group at 8-8. “We don’t have parity,” the governor mentioned, deadpan. “We’ve Gar-ity,” a nod to NHL commissioner Gary Bettman. I’m nonetheless laughing. 

2. On the Devils: they’re legitimately making an attempt to get enterprise carried out, however so as to add, they should subtract. If the group they’re buying and selling with isn’t prepared to take again wage, they have to discover different choices — which they’re making an attempt to do. There are a number of no-trade or modified no-trade clauses, more durable to string the needle. That’s why I consider issues received out, they’ve palms in a number of totally different locations. (And all the perfect to Timo Meier, away for household causes.)

3. Along with Tristan Jarry, I consider the Oilers poked round Alex Lyon. Not as critically as Jarry, nevertheless it was there. One factor I ought to have talked about final Saturday about Jarry, along with Pittsburgh’s unwillingness to eat wage, is that the Penguins’ shock addition to the Japanese Convention race provides them much less motivation for an in-season sale. Not not possible, however not as excessive a precedence. 

4. Additionally with Pittsburgh: the Hoffman household’s unique window to buy the Penguins has expired. Doesn’t imply the sale can’t (or gained’t) occur — I’ve heard they’re nonetheless pushing to shut — however the course of is as soon as once more open to different bids. 

5. I had a number of sources point out Los Angeles will not be inclined to deal Phillip Danault with out excellent purpose, as a result of it’s so laborious to search out centres. Irrespective of his present struggles now, he’s been excellent for the Kings within the playoffs, regardless of their lack of ability to climb the Edmonton mountain. 

6. These on the lookout for a intermediary are maintaining a more in-depth watch on Anaheim’s Ryan Strome. Delayed begin to the season, in-and-out of the lineup. Geese surging, is there a spot for him? If not, there will probably be curiosity. 

7. Another names to control as they battle for lineup time: Maxim Tsyplakov (Islanders) and Matias Maccelli (Toronto). I’m stunned at Tsyplakov, I believe there’s an excellent participant there. He had a robust NHL debut in 2024-25, however struggled to start out this yr and was squeezed out of the now-deeper Lengthy Island lineup. Fortunately, Patrick Roy mentioned Bo Horvat’s harm isn’t severe, so there could also be a brief window for Tsyplakov re-establish himself, however I heard different groups are poking round.

Maccelli, sadly, hasn’t been a match for the Maple Leafs. I don’t consider they had been the one group who checked out him in the summertime, so a few of these golf equipment might circle again. 

8. It most likely gained’t occur till Jaden Schwartz returns, however control Seattle’s Mason Marchment. He’s one other one who had a number of pursuers that would re-visit buying and selling for him. 

9. It’s very clear now the destiny of the highly-anticipated, long-awaited 2026 Olympic males’s hockey event is with the gamers. As deputy commissioner Invoice Daly mentioned Monday, “If gamers really feel the ice is unsafe, then we’re not going to play.”

We all know this: if the occasion was being performed on a floor made from pancakes and syrup, the gamers would shrug and compete pedal to steel. The Olympics matter to them. They fought for it on this CBA, extra of a precedence to them than many monetary points. And, everyone knows what bodily punishment they may ignore in video games of high-consequence.

This complete state of affairs reminds of the 2003 Montreal/Edmonton Heritage Basic at Commonwealth Stadium. It was so chilly and the ice so brittle that the late Bob Goodenow informed the gamers that they had the choice to not play. Led by captains Saku Koivu and Jason Smith, the 2 groups felt cancellation was not an possibility and agreed to make it a no-hitter. The present was so profitable that outside video games are a yearly occasion.

Essentially the most fascinating voice will probably be NHLPA assistant govt director Ron Hainsey, who mentioned final weekend that “the well being and security of our gamers whereas enjoying on any ice floor won’t be compromised.” Throughout his 1,132 NHL video games, Hainsey fought laborious for participant rights, so if he will get to Milan and thinks the ice is harmful…we’ve received a significant issue. However, listening to Daly say what he did satisfied me greater than ever solely a fully epic screwup of historic proportions will forestall this event from occurring — as a result of the gamers will make it work. 

10. My angle there will probably be: it doesn’t matter what occurs, I’m going to take pleasure in it. That mentioned, you possibly can really feel the frustration, concern, and anger among the many league/governors, who really feel they got extra empty guarantees than a mum or dad asking a young person to scrub their room. What’s occurred is “laughable, however not humorous,” one mentioned. Even those that help NHL participation “due to the massive image” are shaking their heads.

Then-Ottawa GM John Muckler all the time felt Dominik Hasek’s 2006 Turin harm price the Senators the Stanley Cup. The Islanders had been livid at John Tavares’ 2014 damaged leg. The development delays enhance their worries of a 2026 model ruining this season. A part of the deal the NHL made with the Worldwide Olympic Committee was that group house owners obtained tickets and entry to the video games. Daly mentioned Monday the league additionally realized that Hockey Home — for hospitality — gained’t exist in any respect. It’s a smaller factor, however a part of the general annoyance. Hopefully, on Feb. 22, when the gold medals are awarded, we’re celebrating such an exceptional event we are going to chuckle at how involved we had been. 

11. Groups definitely sound like they don’t need the cap raised from the focused $104 million in 2026-27. If revenues proceed on the present tempo (Bettman mentioned between $6.8 billion and $6.9 billion in US {dollars}), there could be room to rise. However, now it seems they might reasonably ship a “top-up” cost to the gamers (to make sure the income cut up is 50/50) reasonably than increase the cap. That’s new, nevertheless it exhibits how a lot they’re cautious of the rapidly-rising ceiling — even with new revenue-sharing guidelines to assist the middle-class.

12. Okay, now we arrive at hand-pass craziness, which has solely gotten worse this week. I’m very impressed the State of affairs Room remembered a 2024 Yegor Sharangovich rating as precedent for why the puck hitting Brad Marchand’s glove mustn’t erase the purpose that began Florida’s 7-6 comeback in opposition to Columbus. However, it’s not proper the Blue Jackets had been penalized.

Two days after the Lightning’s tying purpose in opposition to Pittsburgh was erased, how may Dean Evason not problem? Is it affordable for him to recollect one thing from 13 months in the past? Inside 10 seconds of Florida’s purpose being dominated good, one GM texted, “Let’s see you clarify this one.” In equity, there are some who felt that if the puck deflects backwards, that’s not a hand-pass. In any case, I believe replay guidelines ought to be amended, and a fallacious problem in your first try shouldn’t be penalty. There are too many inconsistencies, too many performs — particularly goaltender interference — that look comparable and are dominated in a different way. You get one freebie. Second miss (and on from there), bench minor.

Some coaches really feel very strongly there ought to be no penalty ever, that it ought to merely be about getting it proper, however, then replay will get used as a tactic, an additional timeout to sluggish opponent momentum. That’s terrible to look at, too. However too many individuals who watch an excessive amount of hockey can’t differentiate between too comparable performs. Possibly that’s life in a judgement-call world, however I don’t really feel anymore it ought to be an automated penalty on first offence. 

13. As for hand-passes themselves, there must be a greater option to outline them. Montreal’s successful purpose in Buffalo on Remembrance Day 2024 counted as a result of the puck hit Mike Matheson’s glove when he was reaching along with his stick. He wasn’t making an attempt to make use of his hand, it simply hit him there. Possibly it’s that straightforward: if you happen to attempt to play the puck, it’s no purpose irrespective of the place it goes.

The nice Lou Nanne advised permitting gamers to make use of their palms in every single place, because it’s already allowed within the defensive zone. I’m not as loopy about that concept. I’d truly want no hand passes wherever, however was reminded the league would reasonably not have extra whistles blowing play useless when defenders do that below strain — as a result of they may.

14. As promised, the NHL did warn groups about gamers not carrying helmets as mandated for pregame warmups. (Exemptions: gamers within the league earlier than 2019-20 and rookie laps.) Golf equipment had been notified of $25,000 fines to both them or the pinnacle coach for a primary offence, rising “exponentially for every successive violation.”

15. The NHL mentioned it might announce 2028 World Cup venues someday after the Olympics. Vegas was one of many bidders. It makes plenty of sense for what the league and NHLPA are going for. Greatest problem: previously, they’ve mentioned they don’t like a Western North American location when groups are coming from Europe for the ultimate rounds. Actually lengthy journey. Additional few hours. 

16. Concept which will make sense to solely me: Canada names Adin Hill to its preliminary Olympic roster. Hill’s earliest return date was Christmas, which is unlikely. So that they identify him, and change him with another person who steps up — or continues to play effectively — in January. Possibly Hill comes again and retains the job himself. In fact, Canada may simply identify Jordan Binnington, Darcy Kuemper and Logan Thompson immediately. 

17. Went to Washington on Wednesday to do a bit on Tom Wilson’s bid for a Group Canada berth. Boy, are his teammates and the Capitals group lining up in help of him. Every time we enter a post-Ovechkin world, excellent probability Wilson is the Capitals’ subsequent captain. His brother Jamie is a large Blue Jays fan. After they misplaced the World Sequence, Tom texted condolences. Jamie didn’t reply for days. Many Canadians can determine with that. 

18. John Carlson — with out a second of pause — destroyed any rumours about retiring. “No probability.”

19. Canadiens coach Martin St. Louis, requested if he’d referred to as Jon Cooper on behalf of Nick Suzuki: “I pleaded my case in the summertime.”

20. Teammate Luke Gazdic did a section on a current Canadiens broadcast praising Cole Caufield as a result of he doesn’t stick-handle a ton. “Catch and launch. Trusts the puck,” Luke mentioned. Requested about that final weekend, St. Louis mentioned he thinks many younger gamers “stickhandle an excessive amount of.” He prefers lacrosse-style, all the time in place to shoot. He additionally pointed to Nikita Kucherov, saying he’s all the time received his stick in a spot the place it’s harmful.

21. Toronto promised to be very cautious with Joseph Woll, and Dennis Hildeby’s sturdy efficiency gave them room to breathe. He may play as quickly as this weekend, and if not, early subsequent week. However they gained’t push him too laborious as he returns, once more.

22. Have talked about a number of instances now that the NHL desires to extend its footprint into Germany. Edmonton (Leon Draisaitl) vs. Ottawa (Tim Stutzle) makes an excessive amount of sense to not occur. In his Board of Governors interview with Kyle Bukauskas, Senators proprietor Michael Andlauer positive made it sound like that’s as inevitable as Thanos.

23. For record-keeping functions, proportion of groups to make the playoffs who held a spot on American Thanksgiving, post-COVID: 75 per cent in 2021-22, 2023-24 and 2024-25; 81.3 per cent in 2022-23. 

24. One other observe about how shut NHL video games are: a few weeks in the past, a buddy did a calculation of what each group’s document would appear like if we nonetheless had ties. The NHL document is 24, set by the 1969-70 Flyers. He discovered 11 groups en route to interrupt it, and 11 extra “simply off the tempo.”  

25. Via Wednesday, Sidney Crosby is on-pace for 51 objectives. Now 38, he has an opportunity to interrupt Alexander Ovechkin’s document because the NHL’s oldest 50-goal scorer. The Nice Eight was virtually 37 when he did it in 2021-22.

26. As I write this Thursday night time, Nathan MacKinnon is plus-38. Just one participant since 1986-87 has reached the High-50 for a single-season plus/minus in NHL historical past. That’s Johnny Gaudreau, plus-64 in 2021-22, tied for forty fifth place. Brad Park (1971-72), Al Sims (1973-74), Mike Bossy (1978-79) and Brian Engblom (1980-81, higher broadcaster than a defenceman) are in a four-way tie for forty seventh at plus-63. MacKinnon has a shot at that extraordinarily uncommon air. Bobby Orr holds the document, a ridiculous plus-124 in 1970-71.

27. I’ve had a number of debates about Mark Stone’s Olympic candidacy, primarily due to the accidents. The smaller ice makes him extra of a lock for me. Plus, he’s received 24 factors in 14 video games. He leads the NHL in points-per-game at 1.71, barely forward of MacKinnon.

28. Some good podcast Thoughtline assist this week. One listener requested if the Olympic break counted in the direction of the 75 days crucial between trades, permitting a participant’s contract to be eligible for double-retention. We checked with the NHL, and had been informed the reply is sure. Anybody moved earlier than the Dec. 20 Christmas freeze can have retention a second time. If that pause within the schedule didn’t depend, nobody traded now would qualify. 

29. Detroit’s 1-0 purpose final Saturday in Seattle was Emmitt Finnie from Nate Danielson and Axel Sandin-Pellika. A number of Crimson Wings followers requested if that was the primary time in NHL historical past three gamers from the identical draft mixed for a purpose of their Rookie season. Nice query. Shockingly, it was the tenth. (I might have guessed it occurred, like, thrice.) The final was Dec. 13, 2006 in a sport Philadelphia misplaced 8-4 to Pittsburgh: Ryan Potulny from Stefan Ruzicka and Alexandre Picard.

30. The superb Florida broadcaster, Steve Goldstein, has a son, Jake, who spent 4 years as a group supervisor for Western Michigan’s hockey program. He then went to grad faculty at St. Thomas College in Miami, which determined to start out a hockey program on the membership stage. They may play out of the Panthers’ apply facility and Jake is working issues. For those who’re inquisitive about enjoying, e mail him at JGoldstein@stu.edu. I’m all the time pleased to unfold the hockey gospel and why not play the place you may get a tan?

31. Shoutout to Eli Pulver from Vancouver, the backup to Daniel Hauser at NCAA Wisconsin. An outdated buddy’s son, Eli beat then-No. 1 Michigan State 5-4 and 2-1 on back-to-back nights in his first profession begins on the finish of November. 

32. After I left the Fan in 1997, Eric Smith took over from me on the Raptors beat. He did a far superior job than me, for positive, and has now written an excellent guide We The Raptors about 30 of the gamers he’s lined all through the group’s 30-year historical past. He has an excellent story in there about Doug Christie’s daughter wanting Michael Jordan’s autograph after Toronto beat the Bulls, and he initially says no, as a result of Pat Riley taught him that’s not what you do. In fact, Christie relents, as a result of it’s his daughter. We’re all suckers for our youngsters.