The Hughes Brothers Dream Hits a Detour - and the Devils Are at a Crossroads
For years, it felt like a matter of when, not if, Quinn Hughes would end up in New Jersey. The logic seemed airtight: three brothers, all NHL stars, all in their prime - why wouldn’t they want to play together?
Jack and Luke Hughes were already there. Quinn, the oldest and arguably the best of the trio, just had to find his way east.
It felt inevitable.
Until it didn’t.
Instead of heading to Newark, Quinn Hughes ended up in Minnesota - a stunning twist that threw a wrench into what many believed was a long-term plan. The Devils had reportedly been deep in talks with Vancouver in December, seemingly on the verge of bringing the elite defenseman into the fold.
But then the Wild swooped in. According to multiple reports, Minnesota GM Bill Guerin came with an offer the Canucks simply couldn’t refuse - and just like that, the Hughes family reunion was off the table.
Now, for the first time, there’s real doubt that the Hughes brothers will ever suit up together in Devils red. And that uncertainty casts a long shadow over the franchise’s future.
Let’s be clear: Quinn Hughes isn’t just a good defenseman - he’s one of the best in the world. Losing out on a player of that caliber is a blow to any team.
But for the Devils, it’s more than that. It’s a potential shift in identity.
This team has been building around the idea that the Hughes brothers could be its foundation. That dream now feels a lot more fragile.
There’s also the reality that Quinn Hughes hasn’t exactly had a smooth ride to this point. He’s on track to miss the playoffs for the fifth time in seven seasons and was injured during the postseason last year. That kind of track record adds a layer of complexity to any long-term planning - especially for a team that’s trying to build a consistent contender.
Meanwhile, the Devils have already made a major commitment to the youngest Hughes brother. Luke just signed a seven-year deal worth $9 million annually - a bold move for a player still developing, but one that signaled the organization’s belief in the Hughes-led vision.
The front office was clearly betting on the long-term chemistry of the trio. Now, that bet looks a lot riskier.
And that brings us to the pivotal offseason ahead.
The Devils are staring down one of the most consequential summers in recent franchise history. They need a new general manager, a new head coach, and likely a revamped front office.
They’ll have to make a decision on team captain Nico Hischier’s next contract, retool their top-six forward group, and potentially move one or two high-priced defensemen. Then there’s the question of how to handle extensions for promising young pieces like Simon Nemec and Arseny Gritsyuk.
But through all of that, one move still looms largest - and it’s the one they may have the least control over.
What happens next with Quinn Hughes could define the direction of this team for years. If he re-signs in Minnesota - even on a short-term deal - it could close the door on the Hughes brothers’ reunion for good.
That would force the Devils to recalibrate, perhaps dramatically. On the other hand, if the Wild flame out early in the playoffs and reconsider their all-in push, a new Devils front office could make another run at acquiring the star defenseman.
That’s the wildcard. And it’s a big one.
Because if the Hughes trio can’t be united in New Jersey, the long-term outlook changes. Jack Hughes is under contract, but stars don’t wait forever. If the organization can’t build a winner - or at least show a clear path to one - the clock starts ticking.
There’s still a chance to keep the dream alive. But the Devils are running out of time, and the next few months will determine whether this franchise doubles down on the Hughes vision - or starts writing a different story altogether.