Quinn Hughes expresses gratitude for Aquilini family in final message to Canucks organization after blockbuster trade to Wild

The Vancouver Canucks traded away their franchise superstar and Quinn Hughes to the Minnesota Wild on Friday, ending months of speculation about the 26-year-old defenceman's future in Vancouver.

Quinn Hughes was drafted by the Vancouver Canucks in the 2018 NHL Draft with the 7th pick, and has since been one of the brightest franchise superstars to ever play for the storied Canadian franchise. Despite his individual brilliance, the Canucks were never able to compete for the Stanley Cup, with their best playoff performance since drafting Hughes, being a 7-game Eastern Conference Finals exit to the Oilers in 2024.

The 2024 Norris Trophy winner took to Instagram on Saturday to pen a departing note, remembering city of the Vancouver, and its passionate hockey fans. Hughes also thanked the owners, the Aquilini family.

"I am very proud to have played for the Vancouver Canucks for 7 years, I loved the passion in the city & it brought me some of the most exciting times of my life, living out my dream. What makes playing in Vancouver so special is the people, the city, and what the team means to them! I will always be proud to have represented the Canucks!" "I want to thank Francesco Aquilini and the entire Aquilini family for everything they have done for me the last seven years, they have been first class and I will always be grateful to them. Thank you to Jim Rutherford and Adam Foote for their belief and mentorship."

After 7 years in Vancouver, Hughes is headed to Minnesota and will be joining their franchise superstar, Kirill Kaprizov, in the Wild's hunt for a Stanley Cup in the upcoming years. Despite his agent's clear message that Quinn Hughes will not be guaranteeing an extension with his new team, Minnesota have two postseasons to convince the star defenceman to re-sign with the team long term.

"In saying that I am ready for this next chapter and I couldn’t be more excited to be in The State of Hockey! See you tomorrow Minnesota!," added Hughes in his Instagram post.

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Edited by Srihari Anand