The Canadian media once again has Canucks fans in "Fitz" after Quinn Hughes' post game comments regarding his potential departure. Elliotte Friedman re-opened the buzz on Hockey Night In Canada Saturday, stating a conversation was had between Vancouver and New Jersey GM Tom Fitzgerald or "Fitzy" as his close fiends and future HOF D-man refer to him. Friedmann did add that he did not believe the move was "imminent", however with the Jack-less Devils in free fall mode, perhaps Fitzgerald looks to expedite the process.
When asked about the chatter postgame Saturday Night, Quinn's quote went as follows:
It wasn't like, if there was a call, me, Jim and Fitzy hopped on the call. You know I wasn't a part of that obviously I'm aware things like that could happen, for sure. -Quinn Hughes
What does this mean for NJ, Vancouver, and any other suitors?
With the Devils dealing with massive injuries yet again, and watching their Eastern Conference lead vanish in just nine days, everyone is on red alert. There will now be massive pressure on "Fitzy" to get things done a bit quicker than originally planned. Ryan O'Reilly, Steven Stamkos and Brayden Schenn are all said to be aggressive Devils targets, however there is no more coveted piece than Quinn Hughes.
With that said, Jim Rutherford is most likely to receive the best Devils best offer right now, and should be fielding calls from any other teams with interest, Philadelphia, Detroit, two of note. For Canucks fans it's not going to be pretty, but like ripping off a Band-Aid, it only hurts for a second. Time to allow the wound to touch the air, scab over, and heal Fitzy, I mean, fully...