Elliotte Friedman reveals concern point in Quinn Hughes' unresolved Wild extension
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Elliotte Friedman says Quinn Hughes and the Wild haven't talked extension recently, with Minnesota's star defenseman still unsigned past 2027 as August winds down.
Quinn Hughes still doesn't have a new deal in Minnesota, and according to Elliotte Friedman, the conversation between the two sides has cooled off lately rather than heating up.
Friedman shared the update on his 32 Thoughts podcast, noting that things have gone quiet on the extension front in recent weeks.
It's not the update Wild fans were hoping for as training camp inches closer.
Hughes arrived in Minnesota via a blockbuster trade last December that sent Marco Rossi, Liam Ohgren, Zeev Buium and a 2026 first round pick to Vancouver.
He didn't waste any time proving why the Wild paid such a steep price, piling up 52 points in 47 games and setting a franchise scoring record for a defenseman.
That kind of production is exactly why Minnesota wants him locked up long term, but his current deal carries a $7.85 million cap hit and runs only through the 2027 season.
Why the timeline still matters
Friedman has floated a three year, $18 million per season structure in the past, one that would line up Hughes' next free agency with his brother Jack's situation in New Jersey.
That number hasn't gone away, but the silence between camps is starting to draw more attention around the league.
Friedman was clear about where his patience runs out too.
He said he'd start to get concerned if this extension isn't finalized by the time the regular season begins.
"I don't think there has been a ton of talks recently between Hughes & the Wild."
- Elliotte Friedman
- Elliotte Friedman
What comes next for Minnesota
That gives general manager Bill Guerin a soft deadline of sorts, even without either side publicly framing it that way.
For now, Minnesota waits, and so does everyone watching one of the more important contract situations of the summer.
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