Quoting: Juiceman
Not moving JEE for Hughes would certainly be a decision because you could get like 3 JEE with the value of trading Hughes
You can say that. But the reasoning why Minnesota wouldn't was pretty elaborately stated by
@SociallyHawkward. We aren't moving our best center when the team desperately needs them. His value to Minnesota is going to be damn near equivalent to what Vancouver would ask for Hughes. It may be crazy, and no GM would be willing to give up that kind of asking price. But that's kinda the point.
Furthermore, Hughes is not a need. As good as he is. He's more or less a glorified much much much better version of Addison. Who Minnesota is looking to move on from. He's an offensive defenseman who doesn't play defense. Which is fundamental foundational hockey in Minnesota, in short its the bottom line expectation for defenseman.
Then there's the question of who he replaces in Minnesota's top 4. As Hughes is a LHD, that means either Brodin or Middleton.
Well, Brodin is arguably the best shutdown defenseman in the league and Minnesota's current #1D. He's going to get the most action because of it.
There isn't a debate to be had as to who is better between Hughes and Middleton. It's obviously Hughes. But if Hughes replaces Middleton in our top 4, that means he's playing with Spurgeon. All 5'8" 165 lbs of him. Without question, Spurgeon can cover for Hughes defensively. But putting two sub 6' defenseman together is asking for trouble.
Hughes wether he's a good player or not. Outstrips Eriksson-Ek's value or not. He is not worth 1 JEE let alone 3 to Minnesota.