Jack Hughes was the belle of the ball on Tuesday, speaking to just about everyone during the NHL media tour in Nevada. He spoke to multiple outlets, most of which are the biggest outlets that cover hockey in the world. It was clear Hughes was a star, and when he has something to say about the biggest topics and rumors surrounding the sport, everyone is going to listen.
The biggest topics on the minds of the media all surrounded people not named Jack Hughes. In fact, the most curious of minds wanted to know what he wanted from Quinn Hughes and Luke Hughes, two players who have uncertain futures. Luke Hughes is currently without a contract with his own team, the New Jersey Devils. Quinn Hughes has two years left on his contract with the Canucks, but that makes it a put-up-or-shut-up time in Vancouver.
He spoke about anything he was asked, and he didn’t hold back. He wasn’t the typical media-trained, no-headlines-making Jack Hughes. We wanted to put every significant quote in one place. Let’s start with Jack’s comments on Quinn.
Playing with Quinn Hughes
"Honestly, I’m not afraid to say it. Yeah, I would love for Quinn to — eventually I’d love to play with him. And whether that’s in New Jersey or at what time that takes, at some point, I want to play with Quinn. But yeah, that’s the question going around. They talk all day about it up in Vancouver, you know?"Jack Hughes, via The Athletic
This obviously caused a firestorm across social media, with some going crazy thinking that Quinn to New Jersey is inevitable, and others thinking this meant Jack Hughes was thinking about his options in five years. Realistically, this was just Jack Hughes stating he wants to get the brothers together, whether that's tomorrow, two years from now, or five years from now.
On Luke Hughes's contract negotiation
"I don’t sense anything other than Luke wants to be a Devil for a long time."Jack Hughes, via 32 Thoughts Podcast
"Of course, just from the outside, like, anyone at any bar talking hockey can be like: ‘I'm sure the Hughes brothers want their contracts to match up.’ For sure. But then there's so many things that come into play: money, the term, and the money’s always changing... I don’t think (a five-year deal) is a make-or-break thing. Luke is his own guy. I want Luke to set himself up for the rest of his life."Jack Hughes, via 32 Thoughts Podcast
We aren't surprised here like we were with Quinn. Luke is not only his brother, but he's his teammate. That might complicate this a little more, but the good news is he has no chance of being accused of tampering.
On Jim Rutherford's comments mentioning him and Luke
"I think everyone was a bit surprised... Quinn’s not the one making any noise. Quinn has one focus, and that’s to go to Vancouver, play elite hockey, and get in the playoffs."Jack Hughes, via 32 Thoughts Podcast
This one makes sense. He really talked him brother up, and he didn't bury him with the Vancouver fanbase. Honestly, this quote will probably have them making fake Canucks trade offers on Puck Pedia for the next two years.