NHL Rumors: $2.6B franchise joins NJ Devils & Red Wings in hunt for Quinn Hughes with past ties with HC

The Quinn Hughes rumor mill has again drawn attention on Thursday after Daily Faceoff reporter Anthony Di Marco linked an Eastern Conference contender to the potential chase for the Vancouver Canucks captain. The Philadelphia Flyers, valued at $2.66 billion per Sportico in 2025, have reportedly emerged as a team that could make a serious push should Hughes become available.

Di Marco noted that Hughes maintains a strong relationship with Flyers head coach Rick Tocchet, who previously coached him in Vancouver. That connection, combined with Hughes’ preference for an Eastern market, places Philadelphia on the radar.

Di Marco’s team source confirmed the Flyers are definitely interested.

"Speaking with a Flyers source, while the team has not had any conversations with the Canucks regarding Hughes, they are definitely interested in the stud rearguard." Di Marco wrote. "The Flyers lack an alpha dog on the back end, nor do they have a prospect in their pipeline who projects to fill that hole."

The appeal is obvious, and Philadelphia lacks a true No. 1 defenseman. Hughes would instantly fill that void. He is an elite, franchise-altering defender entering the second-to-last year of his 6-year, $47.1 million contract and eligible for an extension in July 2026.

The Flyers possess both the cap flexibility and the assets required to join the bidding war. With the New Jersey Devils and Detroit Red Wings already watching Vancouver’s situation closely, any trade would command a massive return.

Quinn Hughes continues to shine individually, producing 22 points in 22 games while logging more than 27 minutes a night. However, Vancouver’s struggles, a 10-14-3 record, and league-worst goals against, have fueled speculation about potential major roster changes.

Meanwhile, Philadelphia’s strong 15-8-3 start only heightens its motivation. So, If Hughes ever becomes available, the Flyers have both the need and the means to make a compelling offer.

Analyst suggests Vancouver to trade Quinn Hughes sooner

Earlier on Tuesday, NHL analyst Cam Robinson believes the Vancouver Canucks must seriously consider trading captain Quinn Hughes as the team continues to struggle. Speaking on the Sekeres and Price podcast, Robinson said he has "mentally prepared" for the likelihood of a Hughes trade, suggesting the writing is "very much on the wall."

So, from a roster-building standpoint, Robinson suggested moving Hughes sooner.

"I think the wisest thing for this team at this point is... if you know you're going to, you've got to do it sooner rather than later," Robinson said.

Robinson thinks it would yield a significantly larger return and help Vancouver secure much-needed top-five draft picks. Despite the turmoil, Quinn Hughes remains the team’s best player this season.