Quinn Hughes, His Brothers, and a Potential NHL Earthquake

The idea of Quinn Hughes one day playing alongside his brothers has long hovered in the background of NHL speculation. That conversation exploded again this week after Darren Dreger suggested that, if the chance ever arose to unite the Hughes trio, the New Jersey Devils would seriously have to weigh an aggressive in-season move rather than wait for the offseason. While nothing is imminent, the rumor itself raises a massive question: what could a realistic trade package even look like for a franchise defenseman in his prime?

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Dreger said:

“If you’re Tom Fitzgerald and the Devils, and most people still believe that that’s ultimately going to be what Quinn Hughes wants to do, play with his brothers…can you stomach whatever that return is in-season now, even though it’s obviously going to tear apart to a point?” He added, “Those three guys together are going to be so motivated that whatever you’re selling the other way to the Vancouver can ucks is going to be enough to do some damage in the playoffs this year.”

If the Vancouver Canucks even thought about a trade, they’d want a massive haul in return. Hughes isn’t just a good defenseman; he’s key to the whole team, always in the running for the Norris Trophy, and drives Vancouver’s offense. Trading him would mean the team is going in a completely different direction, so the offer would have to be huge if they ever considered it.

For New Jersey, it makes perfect sense. They already have his brothers, Jack, who’s a star center, and Luke, a promising young defenseman. Getting Quinn would immediately give the Devils the most exciting trio of brothers in the NHL today. Plus, it would fix their biggest need for a defenseman down the road.

Why This Is Even Being Discussed

Okay, so New Jersey’s all about speed and scoring, but they’re missing that top defenseman who can really run things from the back. Quinn Hughes would be perfect. He’s great at keeping the puck, runs a killer power play, and makes anyone he plays with better.

For Vancouver, a trade like this only works if they don’t feel good about keeping him, their future, or want a total rebuild. If they rebuild, they should expect quality NHL players, really good prospects, and high draft picks back.

Trade Proposal 1: Star Power for Star Power

To Vancouver:
Jesper Bratt, Simon Nemec, 2025 1st-round pick
To New Jersey:
Quinn Hughes

This deal gives Vancouver a legitimate top-line winger in Bratt, a blue-chip defense prospect in Nemec, and a first-round pick to restock the pipeline. From New Jersey’s side, it costs significant talent but doesn’t gut their core forwards.

Trade Proposal 2: Prospect-Heavy Blockbuster

To Vancouver:
Simon Nemec, Dawson Mercer, 2026 1st-round pick
To New Jersey:
Quinn Hughes, Jake DeBrusk

This package leans into long-term upside. Vancouver gets a young defenseman to headline their blue line for the next decade, a versatile middle-six forward, and another premium asset. It’s painful for New Jersey emotionally and structurally, but it keeps their elite offense intact by adding DeBrusk.

The Reality Check

As fun as these scenarios are, the reality is simple: players of Hughes’ caliber almost never move in their prime. If Vancouver believes it can win with him — and most teams would — the rumors remain just that. Still, if the Devils ever decide to chase the dream of uniting the Hughes brothers, the NHL may have to brace for one of the biggest trades of the salary-cap era.

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