Quinn Hughes returns to Minnesota this week, where Minnesota Wild general manager Bill Guerin will conduct face-to-face contract extension talks. Whether the two sides can hammer out a deal remains to be seen as questions fly about Hughes' future.
Training camp opens for the Minnesota Wild next week, but there is no indication they’re getting closer to a contract extension for Quinn Hughes.
The 26-year-old superstar defenseman is in the final season of his six-year contract. Given his status among the league’s elite players, he’s in line for a substantial raise over his current $7.85 million AAV.
Wild general manager Bill Guerin recently updated fans on the contract talks. While acknowledging Cale Makar’s recent record-setting contract with the Colorado Avalanche, Guerin suggested Hughes could have different needs. His comments stoked speculation about the blueliner’s future with the Wild.
Insider Elliotte Friedman weighed in on Hughes’ status during a recent appearance on NHL Network, saying he wouldn’t be surprised if he got a $20 million AAV. He also believes the puck-moving rearguard isn’t seeking a long-term deal, which could help the Wild, as they wouldn’t carry his hefty contract for too long.
Friedman also noted Hughes’ connection to his brothers Jack and Luke in New Jersey. Because Jack’s contract with the Devils expires in 2030, Quinn could opt for a three-year extension.
On Tuesday, Michael Russo and Joe Smith of The Athletic reported that Hughes can expect questions about his contract situation when he joins teammate Matt Boldy on the NHL/NHLPA player media tour in Las Vegas on Wednesday.
They also noted that Hughes returns to Minnesota on Thursday, where Guerin will be waiting to hold face-to-face discussions with him.
Meanwhile, TSN's Chris Johnston reported that Hughes seems to be struggling to make up his mind about his future. He believes the Wild have no restrictions on offering the superstar defenseman a big contract, but he must be willing to sign it. So far, Johnston doesn’t believe Hughes is committed to doing so.
Other clubs could be watching Hughes’ negotiations, ready to pounce if he and the Wild fail to agree to an extension.
Kevin Kurz of The Athletic believes the Philadelphia Flyers should keep an eye on those discussions. He noted that Hughes had a great relationship with Flyers head coach Rick Tocchet during their tenure with the Vancouver Canucks. He’s also good friends with Flyers winger Trevor Zegras.
The Flyers could use someone like Hughes on their blueline. If he becomes available, Kurz believes any deal for him must come with a contract extension.
For now, there’s no sign that talks between the Wild and Hughes have broken down, and no indication he could end up on the trade block this season. Nevertheless, if Hughes remains uncertain about what he wants to do, this could be an uncomfortable season in Minnesota.
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