“Hughes does not have no-move protection!”: NHL Insider explains why the Vancouver Canucks can trade Quinn Hughes anywhere they want

As the NHL trade season is about to begin, speculations are already doing the rounds that the Vancouver Canucks are planning to trade their captain, Quinn Hughes, and he might be on the move this season.

According to NHL insider Elliotte Friedman, the Canucks have already dropped a hint to the league that they’re open to discussing a trade for Hughes. Given his contract situation, Vancouver has the flexibility to trade him to any team they want if a solid offer comes in.It is important to note that Quinn Hughes became the Canucks’ 15th captain in 2023 and quickly established himself as the most productive defenseman.

In October 2025, he reached 410 points in 435 games, surpassing Alexander Edler’s record.Hughes won the 2024 Norris Trophy after posting a career-high 92 points and became the fastest player in franchise history to record 300 assists. He also secured 400 career points and finished with 76 points in 68 games, earning another Norris Trophy nomination. Even after having such an illustrious career, the Vancouver Canucks have made it clear behind the scenes that they are prepared to trade Quinn Hughes.

NHL Insider breaks down the reason why Canucks are free to trade Hughes anywhere

Vancouver Canucks captain Quinn Hughes might be on the move this season, as the Canucks are open to discussing a trade for Hughes. Hughes, who’s 26, is regarded as one of the top defensemen in the NHL and holds a significant leadership role as the Canucks' captain. However, given his contract situation, Vancouver has the flexibility to trade him to any team they want if a solid offer comes in. Hughes, who’s 26, is regarded as one of the top defensemen in the NHL and holds a significant leadership role as the Canucks' captain, and the reason why Canucks are free to trade him anywhere is due to his contract, which doesn’t include a no-trade or no-move clause, making the team unrestricted in where they can potentially trade him to any franchise that meets their asking price.

Speaking about Hughes’ situation, NHL Insider Elliotte Friedman stated, “Hughes does not have no-trade or no-move protection. Therefore, the Canucks can trade him anywhere they wish, and have indicated they are prepared to do just that,” he wrote.Giving a clear picture of the trade decision, Friedman also stated, “Of course, there’s no tampering in the NHL, but you can be certain any landing spot will want an idea if it appeals to the 2024 Norris Trophy winner.”He also mentioned that the Capitals might be open to a two-year stint with Hughes, even if there's no guarantee of an extension. “A few teams believe Washington, depending on the price, would consider a two-year stay, because there’d be something very special about another Stanley Cup run while Alexander Ovechkin remains a Capital,” Friedman stated. Besides these, some teams that are interested in making a move are listed as the New Jersey, Detroit Red Wings, and Philadelphia Flyers.Also read: NHL Power Ranking Update: Could Dallas Stars push Colorado Avalanche for the top spot in the NHL power rankings? | NHL News - The Times of India