It was clear that Quinn Hughes wouldn't stay with the Canucks after this year's disastrous start, but apparently Rutherford knew long ago.

When asked on Thursday, before the Flyers’ 3-2 overtime loss to the Vegas Golden Knights, about his undersized defense pair of Jamie Drysdale and Emil Andrae, Tocchet was about to cite another defenseman he coached in Vancouver as an example of how to succeed as that kind of player, before quickly pivoting.

Hughes does not have no-trade or no-move protection. Therefore, the Canucks can trade him anywhere they wish, and have indicated they are prepared to do just that. While it’s believed Hughes prefers East long-term, the Canucks could send him West if one of those teams stepped up and took a chance.

The Hughes trade speculation has reached the point where betting sites are starting to notice. PlayNow Sports, which is the official sports betting partner of the Canucks, has already released odds on who Hughes will play for in the future. 13 teams are listed, while betters can also select the field if they would like.

The Vancouver Canucks sit at 11-16-3, and trade speculation around captain Quinn Hughes has intensified as teams are increasingly gauging Vancouver’s interest in moving their former Norris Trophy winner.