Vancouver’s captain Quinn Hughes, fresh off winning the 2024 Norris Trophy, has reportedly turned down a jaw‑dropping $4.7 million‑a‑year offer from the Devils — in what insiders believe crossed the line into tampering territory .
Since entering the NHL in 2019 and becoming one of the league’s top defensemen, Hughes has flourished in Vancouver, scoring 76 points in 68 games last season and leading Canucks blue-liners in franchise history .
In a heartfelt statement, Hughes emphasized his loyalty: “This is my city. Vancouver believed in me, and I’m staying to finish what we started.”
Canucks president Jim Rutherford recently hinted he might pursue Hughes’s brothers — Jack and Luke — to keep him in Vancouver, raising eyebrows before clarifying they’d “be careful about tampering” .
NHL insiders confirmed no formal tampering charge is being pursued, though the situation continues to draw intense scrutiny .
Canucks fans and analysts have praised Hughes’s decision—and the organization’s handling of the contract—calling it a landmark moment of loyalty in the sport.
As the 2025–26 season approaches, Hughes remains the defensive anchor and emotional leader of Vancouver’s hopes.
The Devils have not commented on their reported offer. Meanwhile, NHL officials are monitoring developments in light of the league’s tight tampering rules.
Hughes’s stand reinforces both his status as one of the NHL’s elite defensemen and Vancouver’s ambitious future — while posing broader questions about inter-team recruitment tactics and player allegiance.
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