The Vancouver Canucks are about to enter a pivotal season.
First off, they're looking to put last year's drama-filled mess behind them, and secondly, they're trying to show their captain, Quinn Hughes, that they have what it takes to compete for a Stanley Cup now and in the years to come.
That all sounds great, though it won't be easy to do, especially after some roster turnover and a new boss behind the bench in Adam Foote.
Hughes was vocal about his love for former head coach Rick Tocchet, and with the superstar defenseman's future in Vancouver uncertain, it puts plenty of pressure on Foote to make a good first impression in 2025-26.
While the topic can be difficult for everyone to deal with, Foote seems to be having no issues and believes that Hughes is going to be a Canuck for a long time. Here were his comments during a recent appearance on "The Ray & Dregs Hockey Podcast."
"I honestly think he’s going to be a Canuck. I think it's all blown up. And I think he understands me; of course I want him here. I'm just going to coach, one day at a time. And I see him here now. I see him here for these two years. I see him here in the future. And honestly, if we do what we can do and he buys into the process and he's having fun, you know, and we're winning some hockey games, we'll let everything just take care of itself. There's been a lot of unnecessary noise," Foote said.
🚨Adam Foote in Conversation🚨#Canucks new bench boss weighs in on Quinn Hughes' future with the team, Petey's fitness level and more! @rayferraro21 @DarrenDreger
— The Ray & Dregs Hockey Podcast (@rayanddregs) September 25, 2025
Full pod courtesy @TimHortons
On all platforms here: https://t.co/RW2m27m7WN pic.twitter.com/dRb8ABfS6f
The 25-year-old has two years remaining on the six-year, $47.1 million extension he signed with the Canucks back in 2021.
Everyone's focus is on 2025-26
While all of the rumors about Quinn Hughes wanting to join his brothers, Jack and Luke, on the New Jersey Devils have been loud, he and the Vancouver Canucks are solely focused on the upcoming season.
How the Canucks fare in 2025-26 could ultimately decide whether Hughes stays with the team long-term or if his inevitable departure to team up with his brother happens sooner rather than later.
Adam Foote has his work cut out for him, but based on that interview and his experience playing and coaching in the NHL, he should be well-equipped to thrive in such an environment in Vancouver.