Quinn Hughes trade rumours take a turn as an unexpected team joins the discussion

Lazarus relayed a point from a friend named Dan, who connected the idea to Alexander Nikishin signing a one-year, $3 million contract with Carolina. That deal, in Lazarus's view, could leave the Hurricanes in position to afford a high-end rental.

He also did not hide his belief in the roster, saying Carolina “looks freaking loaded for another Cup run this year.”

Hughes is 26, owns a Norris Trophy, and carries a $7.85 million cap hit through this season before he can reach unrestricted free agency on July 1, 2027.

Pierre LeBrun of The Athletic reported this week that Hughes remains undecided on his future with the Wild. That uncertainty is exactly why a rental conversation exists. A team that acquires him now gets an elite defenseman for a title push and the chance to pitch him on staying.

Lazarus also pointed to how well Carolina is built for the future. In his view, that means GM Eric Tulsky could send Minnesota enough in return that Bill Guerin would not regret the gamble he took on Hughes.

Guerin paid a steep price to land Hughes from Vancouver in December, and the Wild fell to Colorado in the second round last spring.

Losing him for nothing would sting, so a strong return would soften the blow. Nothing suggests a deal is close, and Minnesota still wants to keep him.

Still, if talks stall, Carolina has the prospects, picks and playoff-ready roster to make a serious push.

For now, this is speculation from a respected voice. Yet with Hughes undecided and the Hurricanes built to contend, the idea of a Carolina landing spot is hard to dismiss.

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