Maybe management is worried that Hughes might find some appeal playing with his brothers, even if Hughes hasn't made any comments to suggest that's his goal. As we Canuck fans well know, brothers often enjoy playing together.
People can proactively help prevent something, even if it the threat is low. Doesn't mean there has to be an overt problem to take some action to mitigate the risk. But, if Hughes had ever stated it or if management only just perceived it, his leaving would be a problem.
I don't doubt his leadership, and I never claimed he wasn't worthy. I only suggest that perhaps management is including his captaincy in the calculation as an added perk beyond what his leadership will bring. It's also possible it never entered anyone's thought at all, and your last paragraph is completely right.
I'm not hanging my hat on anything here. It was all just a spitball speculation I figured I'd share that might or easily might not have any merit. If there's some halfwit journo up there making a similar claim, in an attempt to stir up crap, I'm totally unaware and am not trying to perpetuate it.