Trade talks are heating up in Vancouver between the Red Wings and Canucks as tensions between Elias Pettersson and Quinn Hughes appear to reach a new level on the ice.
In the past year, tensions in the Canucks organization have made headlines on multiple occasions. The storyline between Elias Pettersson and JT Miller grabbed a lot of attention, and after the team traded Miller to the Rangers, it was believed the team would be ready to turn the page.
However, things haven't been much better so far this season.
Frustrations are high: the team isn't performing and is currently in the last spot of the Pacific Division with a 10-15-3 record.
Last night, the team lost 4-1 to the Utah Mammoth, and during the game, Hughes seemed to show signs of irritation towards Elias Pettersson.
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It's not rare to see athletes lose their tempers amid rough patches, and with the Canucks going through one right now, it appears Hughes isn't having it.
According to a post on X, Hughes lost patience in a discussion at the bench. The X user mentioned that he said some harsh words to Pettersson, but it's more likely that he said he was going for the puck in a passionate way, as players do in crucial situations.
The Canucks were looking to get back in a game, after all.
Even if he didn't say these exact words, the tension is palpable.
The last time it reached that level, the team traded Miller. Could they trade Hughes this time? He has another season left on his contract and doesn't seem to be enjoying Vancouver as much as he did.
If he were to become available on the market, many teams would be interested, but the Red Wings have been all over the rumors, suggesting Detroit could be among the most likely destinations for the star defenseman.