The speculation surrounding a potential Quinn Hughes trade has become the hottest topic across the NHL, and while the New Jersey Devils have long been considered the likely destination, new suitors have increasingly entered the conversation in recent weeks.
It’s understandable given Hughes’ status as the second-best defenseman in the world. If New Jersey were a foregone conclusion, there wouldn’t be so much talk about other teams, which has made the situation far more intriguing.
One constant in trade discussions for Hughes is an East Coast landing spot. Alongside New Jersey, teams like Detroit, Philadelphia, and more recently, Pittsburgh, have all been linked to the 26-year-old star. With this swirl of possibilities, it’s perhaps no surprise that another Eastern team has emerged: the New York Rangers, according to insider David Pagnotta.
Pagnotta noted:
“With all the attention on the New Jersey Devils and Quinn Hughes lately, another team to look out for is the New York Rangers. That would allocate a lot of dollars to their backend, but it wouldn’t shock me to see the Blueshirts taking a swing.”
Hughes is currently in the fifth year of his six-year, $47.1 million extension with the Vancouver Canucks, signed in 2021. Any team acquiring him before the March 6 trade deadline would secure at least two potential playoff campaigns before Hughes hits free agency in 2027.
Whenever a new team enters the Hughes sweepstakes, the key question becomes what they can offer in return. In the Rangers’ case, matching the competition could be challenging. Vancouver has reportedly shown interest in Alexis Lafreniere in the past, which gives New York a potential asset to include in a deal.
A realistic Rangers package might combine Lafreniere with draft picks and a prospect or two—Gabe Perreault being one possibility. However, Vancouver’s urgent need for center help makes it tough for New York to put together a package that surpasses or even matches other contenders.
That said, the allure of playing in New York could factor into Hughes’ preferences, potentially giving him a voice in any trade scenario. While the Rangers’ offer may not top the market, they remain among the teams worth monitoring as the trade deadline approaches. Hughes’ situation continues to be one of the NHL’s most compelling storylines, with several teams vying for a chance to land the elite blueliner.