Quinn Hughes explains why he hasn't signed with the Minnesota Wild
Photo credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
Quinn Hughes addressed his stalled contract extension with the Minnesota Wild on Wednesday, telling reporters at the NHL Media Tour in Las Vegas that he is not feeling any pressure despite the deal remaining unfinished ahead of training camp.
Speaking with media, including Matt Larkin of Daily Faceoff, Hughes explained that he intentionally kept business talk to a minimum over the summer to protect his mental reset after a demanding 2025-26 season.
We haven't had that many conversations because of how I wanted my summer to go in terms of just being fresh and resetting and just focusing on enjoying it and then training and being around friends and family. But as we get going here, I'm sure it'll heat up. But I don't really feel backed up against the wall where I have to sign before camp.
Hughes Praises Wild Culture
The 26-year-old defenseman also made clear his intentions to remain in Minnesota long term, pointing to his relationship with the coaching staff and general manager Bill Guerin as reasons the fit works.
Obviously I really do like it there. We've got a great team. I love the coaches, I love Billy. Of course, it's a spot I could see myself staying or we wouldn't even, I mean, I could have gotten traded in the summer. But it's a place that I think would be and has been a great fit. It was a great fit for me last year.
What Comes Next
With camp approaching, both sides appear motivated to finalize a long-term agreement, though no timeline has been confirmed.
Wild general manager Bill Guerin has indicated in recent weeks that talks remain ongoing, even as speculation has intensified around the length and value of a potential extension.
Some reports have floated numbers that would place Hughes among the highest-paid defensemen in the league, a reflection of his standing as one of the top blue liners in hockey.
For Minnesota, locking up Hughes remains a top offseason priority, especially with the front office also managing other roster business.
Fans in the state of Hockey have watched the situation closely, with patience wearing thin in some corners as September rolls on without a signed deal.
Hughes, for his part, sounded unbothered by the noise, reiterating that he sees his future in Minnesota. Whether that translates into a signed extension before puck drop remains the biggest storyline of the Wild's offseason.
Also read on House Of Hockey :
Barry Melrose Dead At 70
Barry Melrose Dead At 70