After dropping their fifth straight game, the New Jersey Devils are searching for answers.
General manager Tom Fitzgerald is actively seeking the final piece to push the team forward.
According to Elliotte Friedman on Hockey Night in Canada, the Devils and Canucks have already had at least one conversation about defenseman Quinn Hughes.
However, Friedman reported that no moves are expected in the immediate future.
“I do not believe there is anything imminent, but I believe a conversation was had about where things stand and where they might go,” Friedman said.
Following the Canucks' 4-2 win over the Wild, Quinn Hughes addressed the trade rumors.
“It wasn’t like, if there was a call, me, Jim, and Fitzy hopped on the call,” Hughes said to NHL.com. “You know, I wasn’t a part of that but obviously I’m aware things like that could happen, for sure.”
Trade rumors have linked the Devils and Canucks to Hughes for months. His current contract with Vancouver runs through the 2026-27 season, but Quinn has expressed interest in playing with his brothers, Luke and Jack, both of whom are signed with the Devils for the coming seasons.
On an episode of Canucks Talk, Rick Dhaliwal discussed the Canucks’ perspective on Quinn Hughes’ future with the team.
"I do believe that they internally do think that it’s better to move him this year if - capital letters - if he doesn’t want to commit to the franchise long-term," Dhaliwal said. "Maybe you get more from this year than next year."
Hughes has spent his entire career in Vancouver since being drafted seventh overall in 2018, tallying 61 goals and 370 assists in 457 games. This season alone, the 2020 and 2024 All-Star has notched 22 points in 24 games.
The Canucks are currently last in the Pacific Division with an 11-15-3 record, ranking 31st in the league after missing the playoffs last season.
The Devils, meanwhile, are strong playoff contenders—currently 16th in the league after making the playoffs last season.
With the pieces to make a deep run, their recent five-game skid, and ongoing injury setbacks, could a star defenseman be the missing piece to help turn the Devils' season around?
While nothing is certain, the teams are rumored to be in contact, and a potential deal could materialize before Hughes’ contract expires.
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