Could the Hughes Brothers Unite in New Jersey? Here’s What It Would Take
The idea of Quinn Hughes joining his brothers Jack and Luke in New Jersey has always been one of those NHL "what ifs" that gets fans buzzing. But this week, that buzz turned into a full-blown conversation after Darren Dreger floated the possibility of the Devils making a serious in-season push to bring Quinn into the fold - not waiting for the offseason, not waiting for free agency, but making a move now.
To be clear: nothing is imminent. There’s no trade in the works. But the mere suggestion raises a fascinating question - what would it actually take to pry a franchise cornerstone like Quinn Hughes out of Vancouver?
Let’s break it down.
Why This Rumor Has Legs
First off, let’s talk about why this is even on the table. For the Devils, the idea makes all kinds of sense.
Jack Hughes is already the face of the franchise, and Luke is blossoming into a legit top-four defenseman. Adding Quinn - a perennial Norris Trophy candidate who runs an elite power play and controls the pace of a game from the blue line - would give New Jersey a trio of brothers unlike anything we’ve seen in the modern NHL.
And it wouldn’t just be a feel-good family story. This would be a needle-moving hockey decision.
The Devils have built a fast, offensive-minded roster, but they’re still missing that one elite defenseman who can anchor the back end and elevate the entire group. Quinn Hughes fits that bill perfectly.
The Canucks’ Side of the Equation
Now, let’s not get ahead of ourselves. Vancouver isn’t exactly itching to move on from their captain and top defenseman.
Quinn Hughes isn’t just a good player - he’s the engine of the Canucks’ attack, a power-play quarterback, and a leader in the room. If they were to even consider trading him, it would signal a dramatic shift in direction.
We’re talking full-scale rebuild territory.
So, if you’re Vancouver GM Patrik Allvin, the ask is massive. You’re not just looking for a solid return - you’re demanding a haul that includes proven NHL talent, top-tier prospects, and premium draft capital. Anything less, and you’re not picking up the phone.
What a Trade Could Look Like
Let’s explore a couple of hypothetical trade packages that could get the conversation started:
Proposal 1: Star Power for Star Power
To Vancouver:
- Jesper Bratt
- Simon Nemec
- 2025 first-round pick
To New Jersey:
- Quinn Hughes
This is the kind of deal that makes both sides pause. Bratt is a legitimate top-line winger, Nemec is one of the most promising young defensemen in the league, and the first-rounder adds future value.
For Vancouver, it’s a way to stay competitive while retooling. For New Jersey, it’s a steep price, but they keep their offensive core largely intact while adding a true No. 1 defenseman.
Proposal 2: The Prospect-Heavy Blockbuster
To Vancouver:
- Simon Nemec
- Dawson Mercer
- 2026 first-round pick
To New Jersey:
- Quinn Hughes
- Jake DeBrusk
This one leans more into long-term value for Vancouver. Nemec could be their next franchise blue-liner, Mercer is a versatile young forward with top-six upside, and the first-rounder adds another premium chip.
New Jersey, meanwhile, gets Hughes and a solid complementary piece in DeBrusk without touching their top-line forwards. It hurts, but it doesn’t cripple them.
The Reality Check
Here’s the thing: trades like this almost never happen. Players like Quinn Hughes - in their prime, under contract, playing at an elite level - just don’t get moved unless something drastic changes. Vancouver would have to be convinced that this is their best path forward, and that’s a big leap.
But if the Devils ever decide to go all-in on the Hughes family reunion, they’ve got the pieces to make it happen. It would take boldness, sacrifice, and a belief that the on-ice chemistry between three brothers could turn into something truly special.
And if it ever does happen? We’d be looking at one of the most fascinating trades of the salary-cap era - not just for the spectacle, but for the serious hockey implications on both sides.
Stay tuned. The rumor mill isn’t slowing down anytime soon.