Elliotte Friedman reveals how the Wild have changed their tune on Quinn Hughes
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The Minnesota Wild are in uncomfortable territory. With the 2026-27 season underway and Quinn Hughes still without a new contract, NHL insider Elliotte Friedman says the mood around the organization has shifted from confidence to concern.
Speaking on DMase, Vingan & Daunic, Friedman circled back to a warning he issued a month earlier and admitted the reality is sinking in across the state:
I said a month ago that I'll be concerned for Minnesota if the season starts and he hasn't signed; I have to say, I think everybody in Minnesota is like, oh boy, this is not what we expected
Why the Concern Is Real
That reaction makes sense given how the summer unfolded. Hughes is playing out the final year of a deal carrying a $7.85 million cap hit, and Minnesota gave up real assets to land him from Vancouver last December.
After the second-round playoff exit, ownership publicly promised to re-sign him, and many expected a quick resolution. Instead, the weeks passed with little visible progress.
Cale Makar's $20.4 million average annual value has also reshaped the market, handing Hughes a massive benchmark to chase.
Add the reported appeal of a three-year term that would sync him with brother Jack in New Jersey, and both sides have plenty to settle on money and length.
What Happens If Talks Drag On
The risk grows with every game. An unsigned star defenseman invites daily questions, trade chatter and a looming free agency date next July, exactly the kind of distraction a contender wants to avoid.
Minnesota has the cap space to pay him whatever he asks, so the hurdle is not budget. It is whether Hughes wants to stay.
For now, the Wild still have time on their side and a front office eager to close the gap. Minnesota has said it wants Hughes long term. Friedman's tone suggests patience is wearing thin.
Wild fans will track every update closely, because the coming weeks could decide whether this becomes a smooth extension or a season-long saga.
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