NHL Rumor Roundup: Updates On Quinn Hughes And Pavel Zacha, Maple Leafs Could Peddle Miles Wood

TSN's Pierre LeBrun reported last Thursday that Minnesota Wild general manager Bill Guerin intends to remain patient with Quinn Hughes as the superstar defenseman mulls over his future.

Hughes, 26, is UFA-eligible next summer. The Wild would love to sign him to a lengthy extension. However, he wants to take time to consider his options before taking such a big step, and Guerin doesn’t want to pressure him.

The Athletic's Michael Russo and Joe Smith believe Guerin might have to consider moving Hughes before the March 1 trade deadline if he won’t sign. They believe that would be "the nightmare scenario", considering how much the Wild gave up to acquire him from the Vancouver Canucks last December.

Plenty of time remains for Hughes to sign an extension. A strong performance by the Wild could convince him that his future is in Minnesota. Nevertheless, the longer this drags on, the more his name will surface in the rumor mill.

Speaking of players in no hurry to sign new contracts, Pavel Zacha isn't concerned that his camp and the Boston Bruins haven't reached an agreement yet on a new deal.

The 29-year-old Zacha is in the final season of a four-year deal with a cap hit of $4.75 million. The versatile two-way center had a career-best performance last season, scoring 30 goals and 65 points.

Zacha will seek a substantial raise as salaries are skyrocketing. He would be the best center available if he tests next summer's UFA market.

TSN's Chris Johnston reported last Thursday that the extension talks were ongoing, but the two sides haven’t found a suitable number yet. He believes Zacha's situation is worth watching, as he could become a trade candidate if he and the Bruins fail to reach an agreement before the March 1 trade deadline.

Turning to the Toronto Maple Leafs, we noted reports last week suggesting GM John Chayka might not be done making moves after acquiring winger Kirill Marchenko from the Columbus Blue Jackets.

Miles Wood was among the players received by the Maple Leafs in that six-player trade. The 31-year-old checking-line forward is in the fourth season of a six-year contract with an AAV of $2.5 million.

On Thursday, Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman said he believed the Maple Leafs were trying to flip Wood the same day. He felt they were working on trades to send him elsewhere, but it didn't happen.

Wood could be used as trade bait in a package deal if Chayka still intends to add to his roster.

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