Quinn Hughes has already found his fit in the Minnesota Wild lineup after a midseason trade from Vancouver. The move came as both a fresh start for Hughes and a reflection of the Canucks’ struggles this season. While Minnesota has shown immediate improvement with Hughes’ addition, Vancouver is finding new lows.
Quinn Hughes Calls Out Vancouver Canucks’ Struggles in 2025-26 Season
In an interview with Sportsnet, Hughes spoke frankly about the contrast between his old and new teams. “This is just a better team,” he said, acknowledging the competitiveness of the Wild while still expressing respect for his former teammates. “Watching Vancouver, I love a lot of those guys, and it’s competitive guys over there who want to do well. It’s tough sometimes, and I’m sure it’s not where they want to be and where I wanted it to be when I was there.”
Hughes made an immediate impact in Minnesota, scoring his first goal in a 6-2 win over the Boston Bruins just days after the trade, which helped him settle into his new team. He reflected on leaving Vancouver with mixed feelings but stressed the importance of focusing on the present. “I’m trying to turn a page and use all my energy and focus towards everything I need to be doing here,” he said. “But obviously from time to time you think about it, and I’m sure at the end of the year reflect on everything that’s happened.”
The Canucks have struggled this season, currently sitting in the midst of an 11-game losing streak, having fallen to teams like the Islanders, Oilers, Blue Jackets, Senators, Canadiens, Maple Leafs, Red Wings, Sabres, Bruins, Kraken, and Flyers, showing the difficulties Hughes alluded to regarding performance and team consistency.
At 26, Hughes has maintained a heavy role this season with Minnesota, logging over 27 minutes per game and running the power play. Drafted seventh overall by Vancouver in 2018, he is known for smooth puck-movement, timing, and hockey IQ, which allows him to control possession and pace on both ends.
This season, he has four goals and 39 assists in 44 games, showing consistent offensive output after his move from Vancouver, which has struggled to find rhythm. Hughes’ experience provides Minnesota with stability, and a blue liner who knows how to retrieve pucks, while Vancouver continues to face challenges in defensive coverage and special teams.
READ MORE: NHL Trade Watch: 1 Month After Quinn Hughes Trade, Minnesota Wild Eyeing Another Big Swing
The Canucks will face the Washington Capitals at Rogers Arena on Jan. 21, in a game that could test both goaltending and defensive depth. While Vancouver leans heavily on Elias Pettersson to drive offense, Washington has balanced scoring and a strong blue line, with Logan Thompson and Charlie Lindgren providing reliable options in net.
