The Minnesota Wild have successfully traded for superstar defenseman Quinn Hughes from the Vancouver Canucks. After much speculation regarding Hughes’ future, Minnesota has successfully landed one of the best defensemen in the NHL.

In exchange for Hughes, the Wild have sent center Marco Rossi, winger Liam Ohgren, rookie defenseman Zeev Buium, and a first-round pick in 2026 back to Vancouver. This is a significant trade, but Wild’s General Manager Bill Guerin believes it is a wise investment aimed at elevating the team’s competitive standing.

Hughes, a former top-seven draft pick in 2018, has established himself as a top defenceman alongside Cale Makar. His experience includes impressive stats such as 61 goals and 371 assists in his 459 career games for the Canucks, as well as leading all defensemen in assists since the 2021-22 season.

With one season left on his current contract earning $7.85 million, Hughes will become eligible for an extension next summer, potentially commanding a significant salary increase. On the other hand, Vancouver, feeling the urgency of rebuilding, has made strategic moves amid trade rumors surrounding Hughes.

As the Canucks adjust to this change, they have received valuable assets in the trades, including Rossi, who was the 9th overall pick in 2020. His last season stats included 60 points, indicating his capability as a notable player. Buium, being another former first-round selection, is seen as a prospective long-term asset for the Canucks even as he develops.

As for Hughes joining the Wild, it opens potential line partnerships, such as pairing him with fellow American Brock Faber, increasing their chances of establishing a formidable defensive pairing.

This transaction marks a significant step for both teams as they adapt to new rosters and strategies heading into the future.