Quinn Hughes is officially holding the Minnesota Wild ransom

According to Russo, the star defenseman can set both the length and the price of his next contract, and Minnesota will simply agree.

The math behind that figure is straightforward. With the 2026-27 salary cap at $104 million, the highest AAV any player can earn is $20.8 million.

Three seasons at that ceiling would beat the $20.4 million Colorado handed Cale Makar on his eight-year extension, giving Hughes the richest average salary ever paid to a defenseman.

Russo's read fits the corner Guerin has boxed himself into. The Wild sent three players, all former first-round picks, plus their 2026 first-rounder to land Hughes in December 2025, and no trade or free-agent option can replace a Norris Trophy winner. Watching him walk for nothing is not a realistic outcome.

Term is the real sticking point. Minnesota has reportedly offered eight years at an AAV above Makar's, but Hughes let that window close before the new CBA trimmed extensions with a player's own team to a maximum of seven years.

The expectation around the league has been a short deal, perhaps three years, which would keep his options open with brothers Jack and Luke playing in New Jersey.

Hughes has one season left at $7.85 million and becomes eligible for unrestricted free agency on July 1, 2027. Guerin has publicly brushed off any concern about the process, insisting communication remains strong.

If Russo is right, dollars will not decide this one. Hughes picks the number, Guerin signs off, and the only real question is how many years the Wild can convince their franchise defenseman to stay.

Also read on House Of Hockey :
Insider reveals the one factor stopping a Connor Hellebuyck for Alexander Nikishin trade