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Fans React to Canucks, Wild Blockbuster Quinn Hughes Trade

The NHL world erupted due to a dramatic trade involving star defenseman Quinn Hughes of the Vancouver Canucks, which saw him be sent to the Minnesota Wild.
Jennifer Streeter|
Nov 23, 2025; Vancouver, British Columbia, CAN; Vancouver Canucks defenseman Quinn Hughes (43) skates with the puck during the third period against the Calgary Flames at Rogers Arena. Mandatory Credit: Simon Fearn-Imagn Images
Nov 23, 2025; Vancouver, British Columbia, CAN; Vancouver Canucks defenseman Quinn Hughes (43) skates with the puck during the third period against the Calgary Flames at Rogers Arena. Mandatory Credit: Simon Fearn-Imagn Images | Simon Fearn-Imagn Images

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Vancouver CanucksMinnesota Wild

Vancouver Canucks fans have seen better days.

Having your captain traded away in the midst of your team being at the bottom of the Pacific Division with 25 points and a 11-17-3 record is certainly not ideal. But, that is what the night of Dec. 12 brought Vancouver enthusiasts. The Canucks traded defenseman Quinn Hughes over to the Minnesota Wild in exchange for center Marco Rossi, defenseman Zeev Buium, forward Liam Ohgren and a 2026 first round pick.

Hughes, 26, was awarded the James Norris Memorial Trophy following the 2023-24 season after leading all league defensemen with 75 assists and 92 points. The star player was also a finalist for the Norris Trophy following the 2024-25 season as well. He was averaging 27:25 TOI across 26 games with Vancouver this season.

At the time of his trade, Hughes has already tallied 23 points, 12 of which have been earned on the power-play, on the season so far. The latest development came after widely reported speculation surrounding the star player's future with the Canucks; trade rumors and proposals had been heavily reported over the days leading up to the official announcement from Minnesota and Vancouver.

NHL World Erupts With News of Quinn Hughes Trade

Hughes has represented the United States in numerous international tournaments and was among the initial six players named to the United States Men’s Ice Hockey team for the approaching 2026 Milano Cortina Winter Olympic Games.

Naturally as one of the biggest names in the league — reactions to the trade surrounding Hughes came plentiful across social media. Here's how the hockey community reacted, especially from some heartfelt Canucks fans:

"We would like to thank Quinn for his time with the Vancouver Canucks," said Vancouver Canucks' President of Hockey Operations Jim Rutherford per their press release on the trade. "Quinn is a great person, a great player, and one of the greatest Canucks of all time. With the circumstances surrounding JT [Miller] and now Quinn, we are fortunate to acquire these very good young players from Minnesota. They will be a key part of the rebuild that we are currently in, giving us a bright future moving forward. The hockey club will continue to build with talented young players using that as a blueprint to become a contender sooner rather than later."

"Thank you, Quinn, for the leadership, heart, and unforgettable moments. From the first shift to the captain’s “C,” you left an indelible mark on the Vancouver Canucks and our fans," the Canucks' X caption reads on their post. "Wishing you nothing but success in Minnesota."

Hughes' agent, Pat Brisson, also reportedly praised the Canucks for their professionalism in how they were handling the matter. No trade demand was made, but Brisson said Hughes feels relieved the situation is resolved and is ready to focus on a potential postseason run with the Wild.

"i’m just sat in disbelief what do you mean Quinn Hughes isn’t a canuck," another fan asked.

"Quinn Hughes was by far the best player to ever play for the vancouver canucks and it will be that way for decades," said another.

Quinn will debut wearing a Minnesota jersey against the Boston Bruins on Dec. 14 (6:00 p.m. EST).

Hughes set Vancouver single-season franchise records in both points and assists by a defenseman, ahead of marks he set during the 2022‑23 season and guided Vancouver to its first playoff appearance since 2019‑20 and first division title since 2012-13.

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Jennifer Streeter
JENNIFER STREETER

Jennifer Streeter graduated with a B.A. in journalism from Texas A&M and received her Master of Science from Columbia University's Graduate School of Journalism. At both schools, she focused on an emphasis of sports reporting. A former athlete herself, "Jenny" was a varsity soccer player and comes from a family who participated in NCAA athletics. She has covered everything from the 2025 Hughes Bowl, SEC football, Ivy League athletics, the 2023 ALCS and the 2023 World Series, the WNBA, and much more.

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