Top insider Michael Russo reveals what he's hearing about Quinn Hughes and the Devils
Photo credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
Michael Russo dismisses Quinn Hughes to Devils trade rumors as baseless while reporting John Hynes is closing in on a contract extension with the Wild.
The Quinn Hughes to New Jersey chatter just took a hit from one of the most plugged in reporters in the business.
Michael Russo poured cold water on the idea that the Wild are anywhere close to moving their star defenseman to the Devils, calling the whole storyline made up by bloggers with nothing to back it.
Hughes has one season left on his deal at $7.8 million and became extension eligible back on July 1.
Every time he goes a few weeks without signing, speculation ramps back up about his brothers Jack and Luke pulling him toward New Jersey.
Russo has heard it all before and isn't buying it this time either.
"BS, made-up, invented by bloggers.”
- Michael Russo
- Michael Russo
According to Russo, the constant NJD rumors have zero substance behind them, and anyone treating them as real is chasing a story that doesn't exist.
Minnesota has been engaged with Hughes' camp since early June, and belief within the organization is that a long term agreement gets done before things get complicated once camp opens.
Hynes nearing his own extension
The Hughes situation isn't the only contract watch in Minnesota right now.
Russo also reported that head coach John Hynes is closing in on a new deal with the Wild, with an announcement expected as training camp approaches.
Hynes led Minnesota to its best winning percentage of his tenure this past season and pushed the team past the first round for the first time in more than a decade.
Guerin has already voiced strong support for keeping Hynes around, and locking him up before camp would remove one more storyline before puck drop.
What it means going forward
With training camp opening September 18, both situations are trending toward resolution rather than drama.
If Russo is right, Wild fans get to head into the season with their coach and their top defenseman both squared away, and Devils fans can put the Hughes reunion dream on hold for now.
Also read on House Of Hockey :
Cutter Gauthier trade to the Oilers grows amid Ducks' cap crunch
Cutter Gauthier trade to the Oilers grows amid Ducks' cap crunch