Capitals reportedly offered strong enough trade package to land Quinn Hughes, but were outbid by Wild

"The Washington Capitals reportedly held interest in Quinn Hughes until the very last moment. According to a report from RG's Marco D'Amico, the Capitals had a trade package on the table for the star Vancouver Canucks defenseman that was deemed strong enough to secure his services. However, the Caps were ultimately outbid by the Minnesota Wild, who acquired Hughes for three players and a 2026 first-round pick on Friday night."

"The proposed Capitals package, according to D'Amico's RG colleague, Jimmy Murphy, could have included 24-year-old forward Connor McMichael, 19-year-old defenseman Cole Hutson, another prospect, and two first-round picks. Murphy adds that the Capitals gave a "hard no" to any potential trade involving 20-year-old winger Ryan Leonard. Washington may also have been reluctant to part with Hutson, who D'Amico says is very well-liked by the organization."

Washington offered a trade package for Quinn Hughes that included 24-year-old forward Connor McMichael, 19-year-old defenseman Cole Hutson, another prospect, and two first-round picks. The Capitals refused to include 20-year-old winger Ryan Leonard in any deal. Washington was reluctant to part with Hutson, who leads all NCAA defensemen with 20 points (7g, 13a) in 17 games after being taken in the second round of the 2024 NHL Draft. The Minnesota Wild outbid Washington and completed a trade sending three players and a 2026 first-round pick for Hughes. Hughes has no trade protections and is signed through 2026-27 at a $7.85 million cap hit; he becomes extension-eligible on July 1.

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