As the Vancouver Canucks look ahead to building on a strong season, all eyes are on the future of their captain and cornerstone defenseman, Quinn Hughes. The 25-year-old blueliner, who just wrapped up another stellar campaign, is under contract through the 2026–27 season—but questions about his long-term future are beginning to surface.
During Monday’s end-of-season media availability, Canucks president Jim Rutherford addressed the growing speculation about a potential contract extension for Hughes. His message was direct and emphatic.
“This franchise cannot afford to lose a guy like Quinn Hughes,” Rutherford said. “We will do everything we can to keep him here, but at the end of the day, it’ll be his decision.”
Hughes is currently in the fourth year of a six-year, $47.1 million contract he signed back in October 2021, carrying a cap hit of $7.85 million. With the market shifting and Hughes emerging as one of the league’s elite defensemen—not just in points, but in leadership—locking him up long-term has become a top priority for the organization.
While there’s no immediate rush with two full seasons remaining on his deal, the Canucks’ front office appears eager to initiate talks sooner rather than later. The aim: to avoid letting one of the league’s premier defensemen hit unrestricted free agency in his prime.
For his part, Hughes has remained focused on the ice and has given little away about his intentions beyond the current contract. But with Elliotte Friedman reporting that internal discussions about an extension are already starting to gain traction, the Canucks are clearly looking to act proactively.
The message from management is unmistakable: keeping Hughes in Vancouver long-term is non-negotiable. Now, it becomes a matter of timing—and, ultimately, of Hughes’ own vision for his future.
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