The Athletic Hockey Show: Quinn Hughes Traded to the Minnesota Wild | Instant Reaction

Date: December 13, 2025
Hosts: Cory Promen & Scott Wheeler

Episode Overview

This emergency episode of The Athletic Hockey Show offers an instant reaction to one of the biggest trades in recent NHL history: superstar defenseman Quinn Hughes has been traded from the Vancouver Canucks to the Minnesota Wild. Cory Promen and Scott Wheeler analyze the trade’s implications for both teams, assess the fit and upside of the players involved, and debate whether this blockbuster makes the Wild true Stanley Cup contenders.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Trade Details and Immediate Impact

[03:31] Cory Promen summarizes the massive deal:

“Quinn Hughes being traded to the Minnesota Wild in exchange for Zev Boyum, Marco Rossi, Liam Ogren and an unprotected first round pick in the 2026 NHL Draft.”

Minnesota’s Motivation:

• Currently among the top teams in the Western Conference, the Wild are making a “win-now” move to catch up with the Colorado Avalanche, Dallas Stars, and Vegas Golden Knights.

Key Question for Minnesota:

• Does this trade elevate the Wild to serious Cup contention, especially compared to heavyweights like Colorado?

2. The Wild’s New Status in the West

[04:43] Scott Wheeler:

“I’m not sure whether this gets them into the conversation with the Colorado Avalanche, but I think this gets them into a much tighter potential series with just about anybody else in the Western Conference.”

• Still views the Avalanche as a cut above, especially with stars Nathan MacKinnon and Cale Makar.
• Highlights the Wild’s core: Kirill Kaprizov, Matt Boldy, Brock Faber, now joined by Quinn Hughes—a significant “four studs” foundation.
• Notes lingering depth questions against teams like Carolina or Colorado; and wonders if they have the true star power to match Edmonton.

3. Power Play Threat & Underlying Analytics

[05:45] Cory Promen:

• Acknowledges the Wild’s high-end skills—especially on the power play, now further upgraded by Hughes.
• Raises concerns regarding the team’s “underlying numbers”—they don’t consistently control play at even strength.
• Points to goalie Jesper Wallstedt’s breakout season but questions sustainability if his play declines.

[06:33] Scott Wheeler:

“Certainly the 25 minutes a night that he’s on the ice, your even strength metrics are going to change. But…I still don’t know…I think [Wallstedt] is still a kid who’s never started a playoff game. There’s still some questions that they have to answer.”

• Notes the power of adding a workhorse like Hughes, but says Minnesota may lack true “drivers” at 5-on-5, especially down the middle—critical in playoff hockey.

4. The Contract Extension X-Factor

[07:48] Cory Promen:

• Asks how much it matters if the Wild can’t sign Quinn Hughes long-term.

[07:58] Scott Wheeler:

“It is a tricky dynamic…they spent a pretty penny to get [Hughes]…You cannot give those assets away and then not retain him or not recoup a lot of it.”

• Draws parallels with other teams forced into tough decisions with big stars (e.g., Carolina, Tampa, Boston).
• Suggests Hughes will (and should) command a top-of-the-market contract similar to Kaprizov’s.
• If the long-term contract falls through, emphasizes the need to recoup value through another trade, like Carolina did with Stankoven.

5. Vancouver’s Rebuild and Incoming Assets

Zev Boyum (Defenseman)

[09:27] Cory Promen:

• Boyum started strong as an NHL rookie but has leveled off; defensive lapses are present.
• Expectations shouldn’t be for Boyum to “replace” Quinn Hughes—he’s his own player, just one year removed from being drafted.

[10:20] Scott Wheeler:

“If you’re a Vancouver Canuck fan…and you’re tuning in right now, you are lucky that the two of us are on this call because we—we’re both very, very high on Z.”

• Emphasizes Boyum’s youth (just turned 20) and potential:

“His ability to shake pressure actually is a little Quinn Hughes-esque…he’s got good feet and a good stick and he’s competitive for his size.”

• Acknowledges defending needs work but remains bullish on his top-pair, power-play potential.

Marco Rossi (Center)

[13:22] Scott Wheeler:

“I’ve been a big proponent of Marco…I was probably too high on Marco in his draft year…but a big, big fan of him and his game.”

• Rossi’s hockey IQ and competitiveness are strengths; smaller size and skating hold him back from true top-line status.
• Projects as a “tweener” 2C/3C:

“On the current Vancouver Canucks, he’s probably a 2C…on a Vancouver Canucks team that wants to win a Stanley Cup…probably a little bit lower in the lineup.”

• Still sees potential for a “regular 55 to 60 point guy” who contributes on the power play.

Liam Ogren (Winger)

[12:07] Cory Promen:

• Described as a “meat and potatoes, hard working guy…maybe second line if you’re not that good.”
• Offensive upside more limited compared to Boyum and Rossi.

Unprotected 2026 1st-round pick

• Adds significant value to Vancouver’s return, giving them a shot at a premium prospect.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Minnesota’s window:

  “Four studs and I’m not sure they quite have the depth to match up with a Carolina Hurricanes or a Colorado Avalanche. They might not have the star power to match up with an Edmonton Oilers…But they’re firmly in the mix.” — Scott Wheeler [04:55]

• On Zev Boyum’s potential:

  “I still love him on the power play…I love him creating offense at 5 on 5…his ability to shake pressure actually is a little Quinn Hughes-esque.” — Scott Wheeler [10:56]

• On Marco Rossi’s NHL trajectory:

  “He works, he gets after it, but it’s really the skill level on the puck and the smarts that define him…He’s kind of that tweener, 2C, 3C.” — Scott Wheeler [13:37]

• On fan emotions and harsh reality:

  “I know it’s tough to lose your captain and a franchise defenseman the way that they did. You should be retaining those players. They deserve criticism for not retaining him.” — Scott Wheeler [11:27]

Important Timestamps

• [03:31] - Emergency episode begins; summary of the blockbuster trade
• [04:43] - Does this make the Wild true title contenders?
• [05:45] - Minnesota’s offensive weapons and goaltending reliance
• [07:48] - The looming importance of a Hughes extension
• [09:27] - Deep dive on Zev Boyum’s value for Vancouver
• [12:07] - Realistic comparisons and upside for Boyum, Ogren, and Rossi
• [13:22] - Marco Rossi’s background, style, and future fit
• [15:11] - Placing the trade in historical context and wrap-up

Summary

Cory Promen and Scott Wheeler deliver measured and insightful analysis of the stunning Quinn Hughes trade to Minnesota. The Wild’s bold gamble is dissected—while Hughes cements them as serious Western Conference contenders, questions on depth, playoff readiness, and the risk of failing to extend Hughes loom large. For Vancouver, the return is strong by recent elite-player-trade standards, with Boyum and Rossi offering hope—if not guaranteed stardom. The episode is a must-listen for fans looking to understand the nuances and ripple effects of this blockbuster.

For more analysis, tune in to the Monday episode of The Athletic Hockey Show.