It’s time for another edition of NHL rumours. We’re into the second round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs. However, teams are still trying to figure out their rosters for next season and beyond. This struggle isn’t just limited to just teams that have been eliminated from the postseason. Teams that are still fighting for the championship are trying to fit their key players in for the future. General managers are always having to do a delicate dance on what to do with their key players.
One team that wants to keep one of their important players is the Minnesota Wild. This edition of NHL rumours talks about a recent acquisition that’s eligible for a new deal this offseason.
All NHL rumours come from the original source and a subject to change.
NHL Rumours
What a Minnesota Wild Defenceman’s Next Contract Might Look Like
Rumour: We go back to speculation on what the next contract for Quinn Hughes may look like. The Wild defender is eligible for a contract extension on July 1. This is part of the collective bargaining agreement that says any player entering this last year of a contract can ink an extension with his current team.
One insider has gone out of a limb and at least come up with a contract length for Hughes. Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman said that Hughes will likely sign a three-year deal to stay in the Twin Cities.
Analysis: Hughes was seen as of one of the big prizes in and around the trade deadline. Many were expecting the New Jersey Devils to land the elder Hughes brother to reunite the trio of Jack Hughes and Luke Hughes. However, Wild general manager Bill Guerin came up with the better deal and was able to get the future gold medalist from the Vancouver Canucks.
Some point to Devils GM Tom Fitzgerald failing to get Hughes as one of the reasons that he was ousted from his post. However, the fallout now moves onto how long Quinn’s next deal with his new team may be and how his brothers could still be a factor in that new deal.
The Wild gave up plenty to the Canucks to make things happen. However, Minnesota was able to escape the first round for over a decade with a win over the Dallas Stars. The Wild are down 0-2 to the Colorado Avalanche but still can get back into the series.
(Credit Image: © David McIntyre/ZUMA Press Wire)
What It Means
Friedman didn’t list the dollar amount for Hughes’ hypothetical deal with the Wild. However, he was very adamant about the agreement being a three-year deal. The reason for this deal ties into his brother, Jack, who will become an unrestricted free agent at the end of the 2029-30 season. The Hughes brothers may all line up their contracts at the same time.
Pat Brisson was on The Sheet with Jeff Marek and Brisson was coy about the brothers lining up their respective contracts. Brisson said that the Hughes brothers discuss their future often. Something could happen before 2030 when Jack’s deal expires.
However, Friedman had a further update on Quinn’s situation with the team on a recent edition of NHL Now. The insider mentioned that Quinn appreciated Guerin taking a risk and making a deal without the contract extension. Friedman mentioned that Quinn will likely reward Guerin for taking a run at one of the best defenders in the league.
No one knows what the reward is going to be. However, one would think that it would be that contract extension. Watching Quinn walk away at the end of next season would be hard to watch and become pretty much an extended rental. However, it does look like an extension wil get done.
Main photo by: Matt Blewett-Imagn Images
