NHL analyst pitches Quinn Hughes blockbuster deal with Maple Leafs for $46,500,000 upfront plus picks

NHL analyst Bryan Hayes has proposed a blockbuster trade that would send Quinn Hughes to the Toronto Maple Leafs in exchange for forward Matthew Knies plus draft picks.

Hughes, who has two years remaining on his six-year, $47.1 million contract, is frequently mentioned in trade rumors despite the Canucks repeatedly stating that moving their captain is not a priority.

During a recent segment of TSN’s OverDrive podcast, Hayes discussed which teams would fit Hughes best and what type of package they should give up.

He said it’s difficult to make a move mid-season, but if the Leafs really wanted to land him now, it would cost them Matthew Kniss as well as draft picks.

“I mean, listen, it’s tough in the middle of the season, and it’s tough with the tough salary cap. It’s tough to do,” Hayes said. Let’s say the Leafs are really swinging right now and Matthew Kniss is going to cost you. I do it. This is what I’m telling you. Well, I do that as well as picks and such, that’s how good Quinn Hughes is.”

Matthew Kniss is currently signed to a six-year, $46.5 million contract with the Leafs. He will become an unrestricted free agent after the end of the 2030-31 season. The 23-year-old collected 22 points through five goals and 17 assists in 19 games this season.

Elliott Friedman provides the latest information on Quinn Hughes’ business status

In his recent column for Sportsnet, NHL insider Elliott Friedman reported that the Canucks have made their veteran players available on the trade market. The Canucks are open to offers for these veterans as part of a strategy to acquire younger, more dynamic players.

However, regarding Quinn Hughes, it is reported that the defender is not on the list, as the club has no intention of trading him.

“They have made it clear that (trading him) is not their priority right now,” one executive said. (Filip Hronek is another player that teams feel is unlikely to go anywhere.)

Filip Hronek is another player the team feels is unlikely to go anywhere.