NHL analyst reckons Canucks have to shell 'uncomfortable' contract offer to Quinn Hughes to get him to stay in Vancouver

Quinn Hughes has two years remaining on his six-year, $47 million contract with the Vancouver Canucks. He can sign an extension in July next year, before becoming an unrestricted free agent after the 2026-27 season.

However, his long-term future with the Canucks remains uncertain. Following Kirill Kaprizov’s historic eight-year, $17 million AAV contract, NHL analyst Frankie Corrado on TSN suggested that the Canucks will need to offer Hughes a high-value contract to retain him.

It's going to be a huge dollar figure. And the thing that makes it even more interesting, maybe a little bit similar to this year with McDavid and Eichel and Kaprizov coming up at the same time," Corrado said.

He continued:

"Cale Makar's deal is coming up at the same time as Quinn Hughes. And both these guys are going to reset the defense market. But I would make the argument that for Vancouver and Quinn Hughes, they might have to up the ante way more because of the narrative that has been building about Quinn Hughes wanting to play with Jack and Luke, and who knows where that ends up being. But he holds all the cards."

Corrado emphasized that Quinn Hughes holds significant leverage in contract negotiations, and the Canucks will potentially need to offer an uncomfortable contract to retain him.

"Quinn is going to have a ton of leverage. And Vancouver, let's put it this way, they're going to have to go there. They're going to have to be uncomfortable when they're dishing out a number to try and get Quinn Hughes to stay in Vancouver," he added.

Quinn Hughes' brother, Luke, signs a long-term contract with the Devils

Luke Hughes recently signed a seven-year, $63 million contract with the New Jersey Devils. According to reports, Quinn Hughes could join his brothers, Jack and Luke, on the New Jersey Devils if negotiations with the Canucks fail.

Although a trade is possible, most insiders consider it unlikely before the 2025-27 season due to Quinn's no-trade clause. Moreover, the Canucks organization has consistently stressed that keeping their captain is a top priority, with Jim Rutherford emphasizing the franchise's commitment to retaining him.

Also Read: Canucks President reveals why he tackles questions on Quinn Hughes' future head-on, two years away from his UFA status

About the author

Abhishek is an NHL writer at Sportskeeda with over 2 years of sports reporting experience and a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Delhi. He became a fan of ice hockey after watching NHL fight videos on YouTube, which led to him professionally writing about the sport and his continued interest in all things hockey.

A fan of the Boston Bruins, Abhishek considers their incredible comeback win against the Toronto Maple Leafs in the 2013 playoffs as the most iconic moment in the NHL. His admiration for the six-time Stanley Cup winners also comes from the team’s storied history, distinctive black and gold uniform and their success in the sport. His all-time favorite NHL players are Sidney Crosby and Connor McDavid, for their ability to perform at the highest level consistently.

Abhishek ensures his reporting is fair and balanced by being well-researched in his details, which he expects to be relevant, up-to-date and in line with ethical standards. His specialties are doing detailed match analysis and covering fan reactions.

Abhishek enjoys music, traveling and going on walks with his three German Shepherds in his free time, along with learning about horticulture.

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Edited by Abhishek Dilta