NHL46 min ago2 minute read

Quinn Hughes Hears Boos in Return to Vancouver With Wild

Quinn Hughes faced boos from Vancouver fans as he returned to Rogers Arena for the first time since his trade to Minnesota.

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Hostile reception at Rogers Arena

Quinn Hughes received a cold welcome in his return to Rogers Arena on Sunday night. Boos echoed throughout the building when the former Vancouver Canucks captain stepped onto the ice for warmups, this time wearing a Minnesota Wild uniform.

Hundreds of fans gathered near the glass before warmups began. Many were dressed in Canucks jerseys emblazoned with Hughes' name and No. 43. One fan held a sign that read, "And I thought I had commitment issues." The vocal displeasure continued right up to puck drop, with more boos coming down when the team reporter mentioned Hughes on the big screen.

Inside the blockbuster trade

The star defenseman spent six and a half seasons with the franchise after Vancouver picked him seventh overall in the 2018 NHL entry draft. His tenure came to an end in December when the Canucks traded him to Minnesota in a major move.

In exchange for Hughes, Vancouver acquired forwards Marco Rossi and Liam Ohgren, defenseman Zeev Buium, and the Wild's first round pick in the 2026 draft. Patrik Allvin, who was Vancouver's general manager at the time, stated that Hughes made it clear he was unlikely to sign a long term extension with the team after his contract expired. Hughes had previously signed a six year deal worth $47.1 million in October 2021.

A standout run in Vancouver

Before the trade, Hughes established himself as a top player in Vancouver. He won the Norris Trophy in 2024 as the top defenseman in the league.

His individual success helped drive team results as well. Hughes guided Vancouver to a Pacific Division title in 2024, leading the Canucks into the postseason for the first time since 2020.

What it means for the next game

Minnesota Wild at Utah Mammoth (NHL, Wed, 28 Oct): Utah Mammoth win 46%, Minnesota Wild win 54%; projected score Utah Mammoth 3, Minnesota Wild 3. Our safest pick: Mammoth +2.

Vancouver Canucks at Anaheim Ducks (NHL, Wed, 28 Oct): Anaheim Ducks win 69%, Vancouver Canucks win 31%; projected score Anaheim Ducks 4, Vancouver Canucks 3. Our safest pick: Ducks +1.