Vancouver Canucks president floats Hughes brothers unification idea
'This franchise cannot afford to lose a guy like Quinn Hughes and we will do everything ... to keep him here'
Could the Vancouver Canucks once again become home to the NHL's top brother act?
Possibly, if comments made by the team's president about captain Quinn Hughes turn out to be more than idle musings aimed at injecting hope into a disillusioned fan base.
Responding to a question about keeping the superstar defenceman in the Canucks fold long term, Jim Rutherford floated the idea of a Hughes brothers unification plan that would see Jack and Luke Hughes join Quinn in Vancouver Canuck colours.
"It may not boil down to money with [Quinn]. He said before he wants to play with his brothers. And that would be partly out of our control. In our control [is] if we brought his brothers here," said Rutherford.
"This franchise cannot afford to lose a guy like Quinn Hughes and we will do everything we can to keep him here."
Rutherford promptly added he would comment no further on his Hughes hypothesis, dare he risk being accused of tampering.
"I probably crossed the line, anyway," he said.
Of course, nothing can happen without deals with the Devils. New Jersey has Jack Hughes signed through to the 2029-30 season at a cap hit of $8 million US, while Luke Hughes' restricted status means he'll be re-signing with New Jersey after his entry-level contract expires this summer.
As for big brother Quinn, he can agree to an extension with the Canucks as early as next summer, before hitting unrestricted free agency at the conclusion of the 2026-27 season.
Is Rutherford really serious about the plan, or just floating a bright shiny talking point to divert attention from the lost season?
The Canucks do have a history of audacious dealings to unite brothers — see Brian Burke and the Sedin twins. So, who can say for sure?
Head coach watch
In other news, Rutherford said despite wanting head coach Rick Tocchet to be leading the team next year, the Canucks will not exercise the club option on his contract that would force the issue.
"I suspect some time next week we'll have a decision," said Rutherford. "We don't feel it's right to have somebody here that may have his mind somewhere else."
Tocchet is believed to be investigating head coaching opportunities elsewhere, including with the Philadelphia Flyers, who he is closely connected to from his playing days.
Last season, Tocchet's first full year in Vancouver, he was named NHL coach of the year after the Canucks ended a playoff dry spell by winning the Pacific Division with 109 points.
But despite expectations, the team did not build on that success this season.
According to Rutherford, the mysterious drama between centres Elias Pettersson and J.T. Miller derailed things early, forcing the Canucks to trade away the talented Miller.
"With all that going on, how [Tocchet] handled the situation and how he handled the team was really good. So I give him and his staff kudos for this year," said Rutherford.
Ticket price frustration
Rutherford said he understands fan frustration at rising ticket prices in the face of the team failing to make the playoffs.
He explained revenue from the price hikes are paying for upgrades to Rogers Arena and offsetting the exchange rate on the salary cap, which is going up from $88 million US to $95 million US.
"All our revenue is in Canadian funds," he said. "The [new salary cap] is really $130 million in our dollars with how we do our business. Unfortunately, for our very loyal fans, we have to keep up with that."
Practice facility saga
Attempts to form a partnership with a local rinks in order to secure a Canucks practice facility have failed, according to Rutherford, leaving the team with only the option of building on their own.
"We need 20,000 square feet where we can build a dressing room onto a rink somewhere and just use the ice," he said.
"We've tried three or four [rinks] and for different reasons it didn't work out."
The Canucks will be the only NHL team without a dedicated practice rink once construction of the Calgary Flames' new arena and practice facility is complete in 2027.
Rutherford said it will take some time before the Canucks practice facility plan becomes a reality.
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