In the high-stakes world of the NHL, contracts and family ties often intertwine, creating narratives that captivate fans and analysts alike. Currently, all eyes are on the Hughes brothers, specifically Quinn Hughes, the Vancouver Canucks captain, whose contract is set to expire in two years. With his younger brothers, Jack and Luke, now locked into long-term deals with the New Jersey Devils, the question looms large for Canucks faithful: should they be worried about losing their star defenseman?
The immediate reaction might be to hit the panic button, a “code red” scenario, as some have suggested. However, as an NHL analyst, I’d argue that the level of concern, while present, shouldn’t escalate dramatically just yet. The reality is that Luke Hughes’ recent seven-year extension with the Devils was largely a formality. He’s a restricted free agent, a vital piece of his team’s future, and securing him was a logical move for New Jersey.
It’s crucial to remember that despite their familial bond, these are three independent professional athletes with individual careers and financial interests. Each brother must prioritize his own contract first. While the dream of playing together is undoubtedly alluring, it’s a decision that will be made when the time is right, likely with a clear path laid out for such a reunion. Luke’s signing, therefore, doesn’t inherently increase the risk of Quinn leaving Vancouver; it merely highlights New Jersey as a potential long-term destination if Quinn were to move, given the existing commitments there.
The Looming Question: What Will it Cost the Canucks to Keep Quinn Hughes?
This brings us to the elephant in the room: money. We’ve seen situations like Kirill Kaprizov’s over-market value deal with the Wild, a “can’t afford not to sign him” scenario. Are the Vancouver Canucks in a similar predicament with Quinn Hughes? Absolutely. Keeping Quinn is paramount, regardless of the price. But what could that price tag look like?
Quinn Hughes is not just a captain; he’s a generational talent, a defenseman who controls the game and consistently puts up elite numbers. His contract negotiation will be especially fascinating because it coincides with another defensive superstar, Cale Makar, who is also due for a new deal. Both players are poised to reset the defenseman market, currently topped by Erik Karlsson’s $11.5 million. My projection? We’re looking at contracts well north of $15 million annually for both Hughes and Makar, and that might even be a conservative estimate considering their impact and offensive production.
What gives Quinn Hughes even more leverage in this negotiation is the persistent narrative about him wanting to play with his brothers. This narrative, whether fully founded or not, gives him significant bargaining power over the Canucks. Vancouver will undoubtedly have to stretch financially, reaching an “uncomfortable” figure to ensure Quinn remains in a Canucks jersey. While his younger brothers combined currently make around $17 million, Quinn’s next deal could see him command a similar figure on his own. In the long run, Quinn will certainly be financially secure, but the cost for the Canucks will be substantial.
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