Minnesota Wild Head Coach John Hynes Excited About Quinn Hughes’ Addition After Blockbuster Trade

The recent trade of Quinn Hughes from the Vancouver Canucks to the Minnesota Wild has left the hockey world shocked. While everyone expected the New Jersey Devils to be the next destination for the Star D-man, it was instead GM Bill Guerin who successfully secured the Norris Trophy Winner.However, while the fans are still digesting the implications of this trade, Minnesota head coach John Hynes is a happy one. For one, the Wild are already performing better than many expected, but the addition of Hughes to the lineup has the bossman excited about their playoff hopes.

John Hynes draws on World Championships experience coaching Quinn Hughes

When asked by reporters in the official press interview if he was aware of the trade talks happening, Hynes came clean and let the media know that he had some idea about what was going on.

"Yeah, I was aware of it," Hynes said Friday.

He continued, "Obviously, we talked about those things, and yesterday afternoon, I knew that there were a little bit firmer discussions going on. So obviously great job, I think, by Billy [Bill Guerin] and his staff." But the price to acquire Hughes from the Canucks wasn’t cheap.In exchange for the Canucks captain, Minnesota had to send one of its best forwards, Marco Rossi, alongside defensive prospect Zeev Buium and right winger Liam Ohgren, along with a first-round pick for the 2026 NHL Draft.

But Hynes believes that it is worth it. The Wild head coach had already worked alongside Hughes, back when he coached him at the World Championships. “I had the opportunity to coach him at the World Championships," Hynes said. "I think it was 2017 or eight or 16, something like that."Minnesota is already giving tough competition to other Central Division elites like the Avalanche and the Stars. With 41 points and a record of 18-9-5, the franchise currently sits third in the standings and looks poised for a playoff berth.The addition of the 26-year-old ex-Canucks captain adds to their A-game. Beyond his defensive excellence, Hughes has also been one of the points leaders for his team with 50-plus points scored in each of his last four seasons, with a career high of 92 points in the 2023-24 season."He's a great kid," Hynes emphasized. "He's obviously an exceptional player, and he adds a dynamic to your team that's difficult to play against for sure. Quinn's an elite player and certainly a difference maker in the game, so we're excited to have him."While the Wild had to let go of Rossi, who scored 60 points last season and remained one of their best forwards, Hynes believes that with Hughes not wearing Minnesota colors, the franchise finally has a chance for a deep run.Also Read: NHL Updates: New York Rangers Head Coach defends Goalie Igor Shesterkin despite Four Goals against Montreal Canadiens