The Blackhawks not getting Quinn Hughes may be a good thing

The Chicago Blackhawks watched on as Quinn Hughes, one of the NHL's top defensemen, was traded to the Minnesota Wild by the Vancouver Canucks on Friday. While the move helped the Wild's blue line, it also raised questions about whether the Blackhawks missed an opportunity to acquire Hughes.

Hughes is an elite defenseman, a former Norris Trophy winner, and a former captain of the Canucks. He would have been a strong addition to any team, especially a player of his caliber. However, for a rebuilding team like the Blackhawks, staying out of the trade may have been the smarter move.

The Price Would be Too Much

Minnesota had to give up a lot to acquire Hughes, sending Marco Rossi, Liam Ohgren, Zeev Buium, and a 2026 first-round pick to Vancouver. That return was enough to land a top-tier defenseman like Hughes.

For the Blackhawks, making a similar deal would have meant giving up a few young players and future assets that are key to the rebuild. For example: Frank Nazar, Artyom Levshunov, Oliver Moore, and a 2026 or 2027 1st round pick. Chicago has spent the past few seasons collecting draft picks and drafting young talent. Trading them now could slow the organization's long-term plan and hopes of making it back to the playoffs.

Many fans want to see the Blackhawks become a playoff team and see the young talent grow.

Contract Issue

Another concern would be Hughes' contract situation. He is currently in the fifth year of his six-year $47.1 million deal, and there is no guarantee he would re-sign with a rebuilding team like Chicago.

If the Blackhawks had traded key players for Hughes and then lost him in free agency, that would further set back the rebuild and force the organization to start over.

Minnesota, which has a playoff-style roster and competing team, may be in a better position to convince Hughes to sign long-term.

What the Blackhawks Missed

While some fans are happy that the Blackhawks stayed out of the Hughes trade rumors, there are still downsides to them missing out.

They missed out on adding a top-tier defenseman to their back end. Chicago's defense group includes Louis Crevier, Matt Grzelcyk, Wyatt Kaiser, Artyom Levshunov, Connor Murphy, and Alex Vlasic. While this group does have promise to grow, it lacks a proven, elite defenseman who can control games from the back end.

Adding Hughes would've been a significant boost for the Blackhawks. Not to mention that they have a star forward in Connor Bedard, who is the engine of the forward group and is surrounded by young talent. The addition of Hughes would've strengthened the defense and balanced the roster.

He would have quarterbacked the power play and provided a veteran presence to help younger players. His ability to move the puck could also have taken pressure off Bedard.

Patience

In the end, the Blackhawks being patient and not getting Hughes may be the right call. The team still has a strong pool of young talent, future draft picks, and a clear timeline built around Bedard.

Elite players like Hughes don't come around often, but the Blackhawks are not a playoff-bound team or close to competing. They are building for the future and are in no rush to make the playoffs.

Missing out on Hughes may feel disappointing, but it could help the long-term vision of the rebuild.