Insider updates status of Quinn Hughes trade as Canucks continue to struggle

The Vancouver Canucks currently sit one point out of 32nd in the National Hockey League standings, and while no one quite expected that coming into the season, it's hard to deny just how bad they've been to this point.

Unsurprisingly, that's led to immense trade speculation over captain Quinn Hughes, who is set to be a free agent in the summer of 2027, with many believing the team would rather trade him sooner, instead of later.

Now, Elliotte Friedman has joined Morning Cuppa Hockey to talk all things NHL, and in the process, he revealed that if Hughes is dealt, it won't be for unproven assets.

That likely means that the Canucks will be looking for young, proven NHLers between the age of 20 and 22/23 that they can build around for the future, rather that the unknown of potential future draft picks.

In any deal, both things are likely to be included given how good Hughes has been over his career, tallying a ridiculous 431 points in 455 games as a defenseman, with Friedman also noting that the Detroit Red Wings are a team that can't be counted out in the Hughes sweepstakes.

For now though, the Canucks can still hold onto him for a further year before dealing him, but given the prices we saw at the trade deadline a season ago, if they are truly intent on changing the direction of this franchise, moving Hughes for some young, talented players could be a game changer for the NHL this season.