Elliotte Friedman Confirms Quinn Hughes Bombshell and the Toronto Maple Leafs Must Act Now

Quinn Hughes is arguably the best defenseman in the NHL, although as it stands, Cale Makar still has the crown. Despite this, Hughes is top two, and at 25 years old, he only stands to get better.

In 433 career games, Hughes has 409 points. In 68 games last season, he had a total of 76 points, including 16 goals and 60 assists.

However, the Vancouver Canucks are a team in disarray. Drama between the players has caused some serious problems, and it has been theorized that Hughes is unhappy with how things have gone.

In fact, while speaking on SN590 this week, NHL insider Elliotte Friedman confirmed that things between Hughes and the Canucks have taken a turn. Friedman even said they are "on the clock."

To put it simply, Hughes may demand a trade if this next season doesn't go according to plan. He wants to win, and he wants to win now, before it is too late.

This is a golden opportunity for the Toronto Maple Leafs, who are in desperate need of some offense on their blueline. Morgan Rielly has hit a sharp decline, and there is no one else to make breakout passes and score goals.

Additionally, Hughes is a UFA in the summer of 2028. Until then, he will be making $7.85 million per season, which is just $350K more than Rielly.

Of course, convincing the Canucks to do business will be difficult. A Hughes trade would probably include Rielly as a return, and do the Canucks really want that? Furthermore, the Leafs would have to give up draft capital and prospects like Easton Cowan.

Besides, all signs point to Hughes wanting to play with his brothers Luke and Jack. This is just one of those realities the Leafs would have to contend with.