Former Canucks captain Quinn Hughes booed in Vancouver return with Wild
Minnesota Wild's Quinn Hughes (43) waves to the crowd while playing his former team, the Vancouver Canucks, during the first period of an NHL hockey game, in Vancouver, British Columbia, Sunday, Oct. 25, 2026. Credit: AP/Jacob Mallari
VANCOUVER, British Columbia — A chorus of boos echoed through Rogers Arena as Quinn Hughes stepped on the ice for warmups Sunday night. They never stopped.
The former Vancouver captain was back for the first time since being traded to Minnesota in December. He made it memorable, scoring a goal to reach 500 NHL points and adding an assist in the Wild’s 4-2 victory.
“The passion with the fan base is what makes it special to play here,” Hughes said. “So for me, it was cool to be back here, and exciting. And I’m glad we got the win.”
Hughes scored off a rebound on a power player midway through the second period to make it 3-0, and set up Kirill Kaprizov's NHL-leading 13th goal early in the third for a 4-0 advantage. In 13 games this season, Hughes has three goals and 13 assists.
“He was pretty dominant again tonight, especially the second half of the game,” Canucks defenseman Luke Schenn said. “So, obviously they’re booing him, but at the end of the day I think everyone is proud that he was once a Canuck.”
Hundreds of people — many clad in Canucks jerseys emblazoned with Hughes’ name and No. 43 — stood around the glass ahead of warmups, hoping to get a glimpse of the star American defenseman. One held a sign reading “And I thought I had commitment issues.” More boos rained down when Hughes’ name was mentioned on the big screen ahead of puck drop.
Fans vocally expressed their displeasure once again as a tribute to the blue liner began on the big screen during the first TV timeout. The boos transformed into a mixed review, with whistles and clapping, and some in the crowd standing in ovation.
Minnesota Wilds' Quinn Hughes (43) sends a puck into the crowd in the pre-game skate before an NHL hockey game against his former team, the Vancouver Canucks, in Vancouver, British Columbia, Sunday, Oct. 25, 2026. Credit: AP/Jacob Mallari
“He definitely deserved the cheers,” Schenn said. “I don’t know if there’s really much reason to be negative as far as what he’s done for the organization."
As the video ended, Hughes skated out from the bench and raised his stick in salute as both his current and former teammates tapped their sticks on the boards.
“I was just proud,” Hughes said. “And obviously I was here for 6 1/2 years, tried my best. And got some cheers there. That was cool for me.”
The blockbuster trade saw Vancouver acquire Marco Rossi and Liam Ohgren, defenseman Zeev Buium and the Wild’s first-round pick in the 2026 NHL entry draft.
Fans watch as Minnesota Wilds' Quinn Hughes (43) participates in the pre-game skate before an NHL hockey game against his former team, the Vancouver Canucks, in Vancouver, British Columbia, Sunday, Oct. 25, 2026. Credit: AP/Jacob Mallari
Patrik Allvin, then Vancouver’s general manager, said Hughes had made it clear he was unlikely to sign a long-term extension with the Canucks following the expiration of the six-year, $47.1 million deal he signed in October 2021.
In 2024, Hughes won the Norris Trophy — awarded to the league’s top defenseman — after helping Vancouver win a Pacific Division title and make the playoffs for the first time since 2020.
Hughes became the second-fastest American defenseman to reach 500 NHL points, achieving the feat in 520 games. Brian Leetch hit the milestone in 496 games with the New York Rangers.
