Vancouver is in a situation where their long-term salary cap picture needs to be restructured. It certainly has to be a point of discussion with upper management on potentially restructuring their future over a retool. Now, most Canucks fans might argue that the salary cap is due to go up, and they can be competitive given the multiple changes they’ve undergone in the last year. However, why not capitalize on moving Quinn Hughes to the New Jersey Devils and get fresh faces with the team?
What Does This Trade Package Look Like?
New Jersey is in a position to contend; Quinn Hughes is making $7.85 million for the next four seasons. This is a super reasonable contract considering Quinn Hughes’ potential. Hughes was drafted seventh overall by the Vancouver Canucks in the 2018 NHL Entry Draft and has consistently developed into a near-point-per-game player ever since.
Related: Quinn Hughes Stats
Vancouver has significant leverage in a potential trade package; Quinn Hughes’ brothers Luke and Jack, are both in New Jersey. This would make New Jersey pay a premium for the oldest Hughes brother. Given the draft capital and strong prospect pool that New Jersey currently owns, this could be a trade package equivalent to three first-round picks and more. New Jersey presently owns their next three years of first-round. However, the 2025 first-round pick has a condition because of their Timo Meier trade.
Say the conditions aren’t met for the 2025 first-round pick; I can see the Devils giving up their 2024 and 2025 first-round picks. One of New Jersey’s top prospects would also be involved in the trade. However, which player on their current roster do they give up to make the salary differentials work?
Final Thoughts
While I do see a trade happening, I don’t know how it would work with the salary cap, considering New Jersey only has about $1.9 million in space to work with. New Jersey Devils general manager Tom Fitzgerald must clear another $5.8 million in salary cap space to make this trade work.
I don’t see a situation where Vancouver retains anything salary either, though this would be a tricky situation. New Jersey wants Quinn Hughes to bolster their defense and potentially compete for a Stanley Cup. Plus, New Jersey wouldn’t have to worry about chemistry regarding their team and having the Hughes trio on their roster.
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