Devils didn't land Quinn Hughes and why that's a good thing

Missing out on Quinn Hughes could have actually been a good thing for the New Jersey Devils, as they now have a clear path to landing him.

Dec 8, 2025; Vancouver, British Columbia, CAN; Vancouver Canucks defenseman Quinn Hughes (43) handles the puck against the Detroit Red Wings in the second period at Rogers Arena. Mandatory Credit: Bob Frid-Imagn Images | Bob Frid-Imagn ImagesOne of the teams that has emerged as an early loser in the Quinn Hughes trade is the New Jersey Devils. The stunning swap between the Vancouver Canucks and the Minnesota Wild left the Devils with egg on their face.

For months, chatter about a potential Hughes trade centered on the Devils reuniting all three Hughes…