The New Jersey Devils would love to have Quinn Hughes on the roster at any time. Heck, anyone would love to have Quinn Hughes, but it would be special for the Devils. Jack Hughes and Luke Hughes are already playing in New Jersey, and connecting the three superstars together has to be a priority for Devils general manager Tom Fitzgerald.
Hughes is a Norris Trophy winning defenseman. He's consistently a top-three defensemen in the NHL. His skill is second-to-none, and he continues to carry the Canucks to new heights. If it wasn't for Hughes, the Canucks would probably be fighting for lottery odds at the end of the season.
At the end of the season, everyone was at a loss for words. The Canucks' president Jim Rutherford even made a comment about targeting Jack and Luke Hughes, showing his desperation in the situation. While the Canucks somehow avoided tampering charges with those comments, it shows they probably know their captain is as good as gone.
There was one saving grace for the Canucks. Quinn Hughes and head coach Rick Tocchet seem to really get along. Hughes has been outspoken about how much he loves playing for Coach Tocchet. Well, the thing about that is...
There is word this afternoon that Rick Tocchet will not be returning as head coach of the Vancouver Canucks.
— Elliotte Friedman (@FriedgeHNIC) April 29, 2025
Believe there will be a full statement with his rationale in the next little while...but add Vancouver to the teams looking for a new bench boss.
Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet was the first to report Tocchet was leaving the organization. Rumors had been swirling that it wasn't a guarantee he was returning, but many thought his ties with Quinn Hughes would force the Canucks' hands.
With Tocchet looking for his next opportunity and the Canucks now looking for a new bench boss, a Quinn Hughes trade is more realistic than ever. Would the Devils be the top target for the Canucks in a trade? It seems like that's the most realistic option for all involved. However, don't discount the possibility that another team like Vegas or Toronto could go all-in on Hughes even if he's just there for two years.
Still, for those hoping the Devils get Quinn Hughes right away, this is the best news they could get. Tocchet was the one reason Quinn Hughes might want to stay in Vancouver while his brothers played on the other side of the continent. Now, that one reason is likely heading for another job, possibly in Philadelphia, a franchise Quinn Hughes probably doesn't want to join with their roster in its current state.