Quinn Hughes faces a major decision on his Wild future - and it's not about money
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Quinn Hughes still has not decided his future with the Minnesota Wild, and insider Chris Johnston says money is not the holdup.
Quinn Hughes still has not made up his mind about his future with the Minnesota Wild, and TSN insider Chris Johnston says the holdup has nothing to do with money.
Speaking on TSN Radio's First Up with Korolnek and Colaiacovo, Johnston painted the picture of a player genuinely torn between two paths.
Hughes was traded to Minnesota from Vancouver partway through last season and enjoyed his time there.
But according to Johnston, that has not translated into a long term commitment, and the pull to one day play alongside his brothers Jack and Luke in New Jersey remains very real.
Money was never the problem
Johnston made clear the Wild are ready to make Hughes one of the highest paid players in the league, with no restrictions on what they are willing to offer him.
Cale Makar's record breaking eight year, $163.2 million deal with Colorado set the new bar around the league, and Minnesota reportedly has the flexibility to match or even beat it.
Some reports have floated a number as high as $164 million over eight seasons.
The issue here is clearly not the paycheck.
It is whether Hughes is truly ready to sign at all.
"I think he was having trouble basically making up his mind about what he wants to do for his future. There's a desire that we've known for years to one day play with his brothers. At least to this point I don't think that has been committed to or something he's ready to do."
- Chris Johnston
- Chris Johnston
Term length looms large
The bigger sticking point appears to be years, not dollars.
Minnesota wants a long term deal locked in, while Hughes may prefer something shorter, possibly three years, which would line him up to hit unrestricted free agency alongside his brother Jack.
Luke Hughes is already locked in with New Jersey through the 2031-32 season, giving the family plenty to think about.
Hughes is set to speak with reporters at the NHL Media Tour in Las Vegas this week, and it is safe to say every single question will center on exactly where he stands with the Wild going forward.
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