Quinn Hughes has wasted no time making his mark in Minnesota. Since arriving in December following a blockbuster trade from the Vancouver Canucks, Hughes has transformed the Wild and helped push them to second place in the Central Division.
His impact has been immediate and undeniable. And now the conversation has shifted from what he means on the ice to what his long-term future in Minnesota might look like. That future could come with a massive price tag.
Insiders Break Down Quinn Hughes’ Potential Future in Minnesota
Hughes, currently in the fifth year of his six-year, $47.1 million contract, becomes extension-eligible after this season. According to NHL insiders Michael Russo and Joe Smith of The Athletic, all signs point toward Minnesota doing everything possible to lock him up long-term.
On the ice, Hughes has been nothing short of elite. In just 26 games with the Wild, he has piled up 34 points and posted a +9 rating. His presence has completely changed Minnesota’s blue line.
Before Hughes arrived, the Wild ranked 29th in the NHL in defensemen scoring. Since his debut on Dec. 14, Minnesota’s defense has surged to first in the league with 78 points. A dramatic turnaround driven largely by Hughes’ puck-moving ability and offensive instincts.
Russo and Smith noted that Hughes has so far embraced his new surroundings. “All indications are he loves it so far, especially the fan base, the team and its future,” the analysts wrote. “And the trade has gotten him closer to his family. But he does want to win, so a lot will depend on how the Wild do this postseason and what moves they make to keep building.”
This season’s postseason run could play a major role in extension talks. A deep run would go a long way in convincing Hughes that Minnesota is a legitimate Stanley Cup contender. And that his best chance to win is staying put.
At this stage, the insiders believe it would be surprising if Wild general manager Bill Guerin doesn’t get a deal done. The real question is length. Hughes could opt for a shorter three-year extension to line up with the end of his brother Jack’s contract, or he could choose an eight-year deal, the final opportunity to sign for the maximum term under the current CBA.
Either way, Hughes is expected to reset the defensemen market alongside Cale Makar, who is also nearing the end of his current contract. “Few would have foreseen (Kirill) Kaprizov getting $17 million per year, so who knows where this goes? Best guess is the $14 million range,” they said.
Quinn Hughes has already left his mark in Minnesota, setting franchise records with a 10-game assist streak and becoming the fastest player in Wild history to reach 20 points, doing it in just 18 games.
Extension talk can wait for now, as the Wild return from the Olympic break on Feb. 26 against the Colorado Avalanche with Hughes continuing to lead the charge.
