Quinn Hughes’ future remains one of the biggest storylines around the NHL.
The Minnesota Wild defenseman is entering the final season of his six-year, $47.1 million contract, as extension talks continue, with the organization looking to lock up its franchise defenseman for the long term.
Amid the uncertainty, one of Hughes’ teammates has offered some advice that comes from personal experience.
Quinn Hughes’ Teammate Addresses His Future
Trade rumors have consistently linked Hughes to the New Jersey Devils, where he could reunite with his younger brothers, Jack and Luke Hughes.
While the idea has excited fans, Wild forward Nick Foligno believes the decision should be about more than simply playing alongside family.
Foligno knows exactly what that situation feels like. At last season’s trade deadline, the veteran forward was dealt from the Chicago Blackhawks to the Wild, allowing him to finally become teammates with his brother, Marcus Foligno, for the first time in their NHL careers.
Because of that experience, Foligno believes timing is everything. “You want to team up when it’s a good situation and it matters. Hopefully he understands that and realizes this is a great team right now and has a window to win, and he can see that through,” Foligno told The Athletic.
Foligno didn’t spend the prime years of his career trying to force a reunion with his brother. Instead, he built his own legacy across stops in Ottawa, Columbus, Toronto, Boston, and Chicago before the opportunity naturally presented itself in Minnesota.
By the time the trade happened, the Wild were already a legitimate contender, making the move about both family and the chance to compete for a championship.
That is the message Foligno appears to be sending to Hughes. Leaving a team with a realistic opportunity to contend simply to reunite with his brothers may not be the best hockey decision.
Since arriving in Minnesota, Hughes has thrived. He recorded 53 points in 48 regular-season games before adding another 15 points during the playoffs, quickly establishing himself as the centerpiece of the Wild’s blue line.
With a deep roster and a team built to compete in the Central Division, Minnesota believes it has a genuine chance to contend over the next several seasons.
Extension Talks Continue
The Wild would like to sign Hughes to the longest deal possible, whether that’s a six- or seven-year extension.
However, according to reports, Hughes’ agent, Pat Brisson, is leaning toward a much shorter three-year contract worth between $15 million and $17 million annually.
Such a deal would allow Hughes to reach unrestricted free agency much sooner while giving Minnesota only a limited window of certainty despite making him one of the NHL’s highest-paid players.
A shorter contract would also keep the door open to Hughes eventually joining Jack and Luke in New Jersey.
Those rumors only gained more attention after The Athletic’s Michael Russo reported that Wild general manager Bill Guerin contacted the Devils about the availability of Jack Hughes.
New Jersey quickly shut down the idea and has no interest in moving one of its franchise cornerstones.
Still, Guerin’s inquiry showed that Minnesota understands the appeal New Jersey holds for Quinn Hughes and is willing to explore every possible avenue to convince him that his long-term future belongs with the Wild.
For now, extension talks remain ongoing, but with free agency inching closer, Hughes’ next contract will continue to be one of the NHL’s most closely watched storylines.
