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Quinn Hughes appears to be heading to the Chicago Blackhawks' divisional rivals in latest speculation

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Sam Walker
December 2, 2025 (11:44)

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There is growing buzz around the Detroit Red Wings possibly landing star defenseman Quinn Hughes from the Vancouver Canucks. The chatter has ramped up after several insiders as of late have given their honest thoughts on the elite defenseman's departure from his Canadian team.

Hughes, 26, is in year five of a six-year extension, carrying a $7.85 million cap hit.

That contract makes him attractive for a rebuilding but cap-flexible team like Detroit.

Some insiders think the situation in Vancouver could push the Canucks toward trading him if the club misses the playoffs again.

Detroit joining the sweepstakes isn't wild. As one insider put it:

«If you're Yzerman, do you not take a real swing at this if/when he becomes available. Family lives there, ties to the state obviously, ties to the University of Michigan. Do you not take a real swing at Quinn Hughes?»

- Jeff Marek

Hughes has ties to Michigan, played college hockey nearby, and his family spends summers just outside Detroit-those connections could matter if push comes to shove.

Hughes to the Red Wings discussions have been ongoing since early November.

Quinn Hughes fits Detroit's defensive blueprint

On the ice, Hughes would slot perfectly with 2021 first-rounder Moritz Seider on the left side. That pairing could become a serious blue line anchor, bringing puck-moving offense and mobility that Detroit lacks right now.

For the Blackhawks, it's unfortunate for the team to miss out on great opportunities like this to surround Connor Bedard with elite, high-level talent.

But the asking price for the Norris Trophy-winning caliber defenseman may leave Blackhawks fans thankful that general manager Kyle Davidson isn't going all in for the Canucks star.

For the Canucks, a trade would likely demand a high-value return-one proposal has 23-year-old forward Lucas Raymond as the centerpiece going to Vancouver.

If Detroit pulls it off, the Red Wings could vault toward serious contention-which is a worrying thought for the Blackhawks.

Previously on Chicago Hockey Insider

Blackhawks complete final step needed for a Laurent Brossoit trade with conditioning loan to the AHL

Trade completed: Blackhawks miss out big time on Blues and Kings swap Tuesday

Blackhawks set to trade goaltender following conditioning stint with AHL's IceHogs

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Quinn Hughes appears to be heading to the Chicago Blackhawks' divisional rivals in latest speculation

There is growing buzz around the Detroit Red Wings possibly landing star defenseman Quinn Hughes from the Vancouver Canucks. The chatter has ramped up after several insiders as of late have given their honest thoughts on the elite defenseman's departure from his Canadian team.

Quinn Hughes fits Detroit's defensive blueprint

Do you think Detroit will land Quinn Hughes instead of the Devils?