Quinn Hughes reportedly turns down a historic contract from the Wild

The Minnesota Wild defenseman did not sign an extension before the new collective bargaining agreement took effect Tuesday night, cutting the maximum term Minnesota can offer from eight years to seven.

According to Michael Russo and Joe Smith of The Athletic, the Wild were:

Makar set the league record when he signed an eight-year, $163.2 million extension with Colorado on Aug. 28.

Hughes, meanwhile, is playing this season on the six-year, $47.1 million contract he signed with Vancouver in 2021, which carries a $7.85 million cap hit.

Minnesota acquired the 2024 Norris Trophy winner on Dec. 12, 2025, and he collected 53 points in 48 games after the trade. That production helps explain why the Wild were prepared to pay him more than anyone in the league.

Seven years is now the ceiling for a Hughes extension in Minnesota. If he waits until free agency on July 1, 2027, the maximum drops to six years for any team.

The new CBA also limits how any Hughes deal can be built. Year-to-year salary swings are capped at 20 percent, and signing bonuses cannot exceed 60 percent of total value.

Wild general manager Bill Guerin said this week he remains comfortable with where talks stand, pointing to open communication with Hughes and agent Pat Brisson. Owner Craig Leipold has said the organization wants the longest deal possible.

Hughes has repeatedly said he is not in a rush and will do what works best for him. Speculation has centered on a shorter extension that would line up with the contract of his brother Jack Hughes in New Jersey and send both to free agency together, though Hughes has not confirmed that plan.

Hughes can still hit unrestricted free agency next summer, and with training camp now open, every update on his future in Minnesota will draw close attention.

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