Quinn Hughes puts the Wild in yet another compromising position
Photo credit: Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images
The Minnesota Wild could reach the trade deadline with an unsigned Quinn Hughes, and The Athletic's Michael Russo believes the club is comfortable with that.
Russo shared his read on the situation:
He really could be the Wild's rental; I really, at this point, think that if we get to the deadline and he's not signed by the Wild...the Wild are just gonna keep him and go for it.
General manager Bill Guerin backed that stance Tuesday in Toronto. He told NHL.com the team would be willing to keep Hughes past the March 1 deadline without a new contract, calling talks quiet and saying Minnesota is simply a better team with him.
Why The Wild Can Afford The Risk
Minnesota is 13-3-4 and leads the Central Division, and Hughes is a big reason why. His 27 points in 20 games rank second among NHL defensemen, and he has piled up 80 points in 68 games since arriving from Vancouver last December.
The Wild also paid heavily to land him. Marco Rossi, Zeev Buium, Liam Ohgren and a 2026 first-round pick went to the Canucks.
Trading him now would mean abandoning that gamble in the middle of a legitimate Stanley Cup push.
What Comes Next For Hughes
Hughes carries a $7.85 million cap hit and is set to become an unrestricted free agent on July 1, 2027. The Wild have been able to negotiate since July 1 of this year, yet no deal has materialized.
Elliotte Friedman has reportedly said the Wild likely offered the maximum salary at whatever term he wants, leaving the decision with Hughes.
Reports have long pointed to a shorter extension that would line up with his brother Jack's contract in New Jersey.
For now, Minnesota appears ready to let the standings decide. If the Wild keep winning, the rental plan Russo describes will likely become reality.
The risk is watching a Norris Trophy winner walk for nothing next summer, but the reward could be a deep playoff run.
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