Could the Detroit Red Wings be on the verge of correcting one of their most glaring draft mistakes of the past decade? Imagine if they could turn back time and undo the 2018 decision to select Filip Zadina over Quinn Hughes. But here’s where it gets intriguing: NHL insider Elliotte Friedman recently hinted on the Morning Cuppa Hockey podcast that the Red Wings might just have a shot at redeeming themselves—by trading for Hughes himself. Bold move, right?
Let’s rewind for a moment. In 2018, the Red Wings used the sixth overall pick on Zadina, who was hyped as a future goal-scoring phenom. Meanwhile, the Vancouver Canucks snagged defenseman Quinn Hughes with the very next pick. Fast forward to today, and Hughes is a 2024 Norris Trophy winner, averaging nearly a point per game over his eight-year career. Ouch. But could Detroit now flip the script and bring Hughes into the fold?
Friedman seems to think so. He pointed out that the Canucks are seeking ‘legitimate NHLers,’ including a center, in exchange for Hughes. And guess who’s high on Friedman’s list of potential suitors? The Red Wings. ‘Can you see [GM Steve Yzerman] not being interested in Quinn Hughes?’ Friedman asked. ‘Can you see Quinn Hughes not being interested in Detroit?’ It’s a match that, on paper, makes a lot of sense—especially considering Yzerman and Canucks president Jim Rutherford have a history of surprising deals, like the Filip Hronek trade a few years back.
But here’s the kicker: Detroit isn’t just going to hand over their prized assets without a fight. If the Red Wings are to acquire Hughes, it’s likely going to cost them a combination of top prospects like Nate Danielson, Marco Kasper, or Axel Sandin-Pellikka, plus a first-round pick and possibly more. And let’s be clear: Yzerman isn’t in the business of renting players. Any deal would need to include a contract extension, which complicates things further since Hughes can’t sign a new deal until July 1, 2026.
And this is the part most people miss: Hughes has roots in Michigan. He spent two years at the U.S. National Team Development Program in Plymouth and played for the University of Michigan. His parents still live in the area. Could that sway his decision? It’s a compelling factor, especially when you consider the possibility of him joining his brothers, Jack and Luke, in New Jersey—either via trade or as a free agent in 2027.
But here’s the controversial question: Is trading for Hughes worth the potential cost? Some fans might argue that giving up multiple top prospects and picks is too steep a price, even for a player of Hughes’ caliber. Others might say it’s a no-brainer for a team that’s been missing a game-changing defenseman for years. What do you think? Is this a risk worth taking, or should the Red Wings look elsewhere?
One thing’s for sure: the rumors will only intensify as we approach the offseason. For now, all eyes are on Detroit—a team that could very well be on the brink of a franchise-altering move. Will they seize the opportunity, or will history repeat itself? Only time will tell.
