Five weeks have passed since the Vancouver Canucks and Minnesota Wild completed a blockbuster trade that sent star defenseman Quinn Hughes to the Wild. The hockey world is still buzzing about the deal and its potential long-term ramifications for both franchises. Let's take a look at how Hughes is fitting in with the Wild and how the Canucks are utilizing their new acquisitions.

Hughes' Impact in Minnesota

Quinn Hughes has seamlessly integrated into the Minnesota Wild's lineup, showcasing the skills that made him one of the league's most sought-after defensemen. In 16 games with the Wild, Hughes has tallied 1 goal and 15 assists for a total of 16 points. Beyond the scoresheet, his impact is evident in the team's improved puck possession, transition game, and power-play efficiency. The Wild, who were already performing well, currently hold a 27-13-9 record and are tied with the Dallas Stars near the top of the Central Division.

Wild General Manager Bill Guerin expressed his excitement about acquiring Hughes, emphasizing the rare opportunity to bring in a player of his caliber. He acknowledged the difficulty of parting with promising young players but deemed it a necessary cost to acquire a top-tier talent like Hughes. The Wild's acquisition of Hughes signals their intent to compete for a Stanley Cup in the immediate future.

Canucks' Rebuild Accelerates

For the Vancouver Canucks, trading Quinn Hughes marked a significant turning point, signaling a commitment to a rebuild. The Canucks received a substantial return for Hughes, including forwards Marco Rossi and Liam Ohgren, defenseman Zeev Buium, and a first-round pick in the 2026 NHL Draft.

Jim Rutherford, Vancouver's president of hockey operations, acknowledged the difficulty of trading a player like Hughes, recognizing his importance to the team and the city. However, Rutherford emphasized the need to respect Hughes's impending free agency and the Canucks' rebuilding process. The influx of young talent and draft capital aims to accelerate the Canucks' return to contention.

The Acquired Assets: Early Returns

While it's still early, the players acquired by Vancouver are beginning to find their roles with the team. Marco Rossi and Zeev Buium were among Minnesota's leading scorers at the time of the trade. Ohgren, a first-round pick in 2022, is looking to establish himself in the NHL. The 2026 first-round pick provides further flexibility for the Canucks to add to their prospect pool or use as trade bait in the future.

Other Teams Interested

Multiple reports indicate that at least six NHL teams pursued Hughes, including the Detroit Red Wings, New York Rangers, Philadelphia Flyers, and New Jersey Devils. Washington Capitals general manager Chris Patrick confirmed that the team had interest in Hughes but was unwilling to part with their top defense prospect, Cole Hutson. According to insider Elliotte Friedman, a deal with the Red Wings fell apart because General Manager Steve Yzerman wanted to secure a long-term extension with Hughes before completing the trade.

Hughes moves on

Quinn Hughes has seemingly moved on from the Canucks, as he recently unfollowed the team on Instagram.

The Quinn Hughes trade continues to be a major talking point in the NHL. The Wild have solidified their status as a top contender, while the Canucks have embarked on a new chapter with a focus on youth and future growth. Only time will tell who ultimately "wins" the trade, but the initial returns suggest that both teams have positioned themselves for success in their respective timelines.