Blockbuster trade: Canucks send Quinn Hughes to Minnesota Wild
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Jonathan Ouimet
Dec 12, 2025 (10:50 PM)
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Photo credit: Bob Frid-Imagn Images
The Quinn Hughes era in Vancouver has officially come to an end, and it signals a seismic shift for the Canucks and the entire Pacific Northwest hockey community. The veteran star defenseman and former Norris Trophy winner was traded to the Minnesota Wild on Friday, marking the conclusion of one of the most impactful chapters in Vancouver Canucks history.
Hughes, 26, had been the face of the Canucks franchise since being drafted seventh overall in 2018, amassing 432 points in 459 games and serving as captain while becoming one of the league's elite puck-moving defensemen.
The Wild sent forward Marco Rossi, defenseman Zeev Buium, forward prospect Liam Ohgren and a 2026 first-round pick back to Vancouver as part of the deal. Minnesota clearly sees Hughes as a cornerstone to boost their playoff hopes and finally break through in the postseason.
Vancouver now turns the page as it begins a rebuild, armed with premium young talent and future assets. Rossi brings scoring experience, Buium adds youthful blueline promise and Ohgren projects as a middle-six forward with upside. The first-round pick gives Vancouver added flexibility in shaping its next core.
For fans, watching Hughes depart is bittersweet. He was the catalyst of many Canucks highs over the past seven seasons, earning All-Star nods and Norris Trophy honours, but trade speculation had grown louder as Vancouver struggled early this season and conversations about his long-term future became persistent among insiders.
Yahoo Sports
Yahoo Sports
Canucks reset begins as Quinn Hughes heads to Wild
As a fan watching this unfold, it feels like the end of an era; Hughes was the heartbeat of the back end and a rare generational talent, so seeing him in another sweater is jarring.
The Wild, who have not won a playoff series in over a decade, now add a bona fide No. 1 defenseman and leader, elevating their blue line in a division where depth and transition play define success.
Meanwhile, Vancouver wrestles with how to rebuild around this haul while smoothing over a locker room that has dealt with distractions and performance lapses this season. Rumours about Hughes' future had been swirling for months as his contract situation and potential free agency loomed, making this move feel almost inevitable.
Sportsnet.ca
Sportsnet.ca
Ultimately, this trade reshapes both franchises: Minnesota gains instant star power and Vancouver resets its timeline with young building blocks and draft capital. The ripple effects of this deal will define Canucks hockey long after Hughes skates his first shift in a Wild uniform.