When talk drifts toward a possible day when Jack Hughes lines up on one roster with sibling Quinn Hughes, the standout center for New Jersey isn't treading carefully.
The 24-year-old pivot addressed reporters Tuesday at the league's media tour for players, stating plainly that he won't shy from admitting he'd ultimately relish a chance to skate beside his brother. Whether that ends up happening in New Jersey or elsewhere, he said, eventually teaming up alongside Quinn is something he hopes for. The matter, he noted, comes up endlessly out in Vancouver, and he again voiced a wish to one day share the ice with his brother.
The Canucks contract Quinn holds expires in 2027, whereas Jack stays under his Devils deal until 2030 — which is why the quiet pitch has the older brother coming East rather than the reverse. And though Luke, youngest of the trio, presently holds restricted free agent status, Jack feels certain his brother will be back with the Devils, a place the two have skated together across the previous couple of seasons.
Jack raised the topic with Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman during a recent installment of his "32 Thoughts" show, voicing belief that an agreement covering Luke would ultimately fall into place and that, by his account, his youngest brother is intent on staying put.
The reverse outcome remains possible too, judging by April remarks from Jim Rutherford, who runs hockey operations as the Canucks' president, offered after Vancouver fell short of the postseason a fourth time over the span of five years.
"This franchise cannot afford to lose a guy like Quinn Hughes and we will do everything we can to keep him here." Jim Rutherford speaks on Quinn Hughes' future with the Canucks pic.twitter.com/2DGIUVtVLw — Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) April 21, 2025
Questioned about when Quinn becomes eligible for an extension, Rutherford noted that the defenseman had earlier expressed a desire to suit up with his siblings, conceding that part of the equation lies beyond the team's reach — yet within it should they bring those siblings aboard. Given the many variables involved, he said he agrees entirely that letting a player of Quinn's stature walk would be unaffordable for the organization, which intends to make every effort to keep him.
The two have shared a roster on one prior occasion, representing the Americans during the 2019 edition of the World Juniors, and an opening exists for all three siblings to don their national colors when the Winter Games come to Italy's Milan-Cortina in 2026. Quinn earned his place there in June, included among the opening half-dozen names unveiled for that squad.
A year ago the siblings produced 190 points between them — 50 goals to go with 140 assists — pointing to an offensive force for whatever club lands them together. For the present, anyway, Jack won't indulge that hypothetical.
Talking once more with Friedman, the three-time league All-Star reasoned that in the end Quinn will either stick around or move on. His brother remains content out there, he added, and isn't the one stirring anything up; his sole aim is to remain in Vancouver, perform at a high level, and reach the playoffs.