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Canucks President Reveals Harsh Truth About Quinn Hughes' Future

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Antonio Losada | Last updated Apr 22, 2025 6:55 AM ET

Jim Rutherford may have pushed the limits of the NHL's tampering rules while discussing the future of Quinn Hughes during the Vancouver Canucks’ end-of-season press conference on Monday.

In one of the most surprising moments of the 45-minute availability, the Vancouver president openly acknowledged the franchise’s dilemma surrounding its captain and former Norris Trophy winner.

“This franchise cannot afford to lose a guy like Quinn Hughes,” Rutherford said. “We will do everything we can to keep him here, but at the end of the day, it’ll be his decision.”

Hughes, 25, is signed through the 2026–27 season with a $7.85 million cap hit. The Canucks inked Hughest to a six-year, $47.1 million contract on Oct. 2021.

Canucks President Jim Rutherford made it clear that they will do everything they can to re-sign Quinn Hughes but that he wants to play with his brothers… whether that’s in NJ or Vancouver

(h/t @LachInTheCrease) pic.twitter.com/7caElh8L5u
— B/R Open Ice (@BR_OpenIce) April 21, 2025

Hughes led all NHL defensemen with 92 points in 82 games last season before putting up a third-best 76 points in 68 games this year after missing time due to injury.

However, Hughes' long-term commitment to Vancouver may hinge on more than just salary, as revealed by Rutherford on Monday.

“It may not boil down to money with him,” Rutherford said. “He said before, he wants to play with his brothers. That would be partly out of our control—in our control if we brought his brothers here.”

Realizing the possible tampering implications and potential accusations following his remarks, Rutherford quickly corrected course.

“Well, we gotta be careful with tampering here, so we’ll just leave it at that,” Rutherford said.

Quinn’s younger brothers, Jack and Luke Hughes, are both under contract with the New Jersey Devils.

Jack, a star center, is signed through 2030 at $8 million per year. Luke, a defenseman, is a pending restricted free agent, making it possible for the Canucks to submit an offer sheet for his rights this summer trying to snatch him from New Jersey.

All three Hughes brothers shared NHL ice on Dec. 5, 2023, when the Devils beat the Canucks 6–5 in the "Hughes Bowl."

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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