Quinn Hughes Expresses Interest in Contract Extension
Quinn Hughes, the star defenseman for the Minnesota Wild, has expressed a strong interest in negotiating a contract extension with the team, stating he is “definitely open” to the idea. This follows an impactful season for Hughes, who made headlines when he was acquired by the Wild in a high-profile trade with the Vancouver Canucks in December, a move orchestrated by General Manager Bill Guerin.
Impressive Performance and Playoff Journey
The 26-year-old Hughes had an impressive performance during the regular season, recording 53 points across 48 games, while also leading the NHL with an average ice time of 27 minutes and 44 seconds. After the Wild made a surprising playoff run by defeating the Dallas Stars in the first round, their journey came to an end when they were eliminated by the Colorado Avalanche. During this postseason, Hughes tied with Kirill Kaprizov for the most points on the team, each accumulating 15 points.
“I really like it here,” Hughes commented on his time in Minnesota. “I would definitely be open to re-signing. We’ll see what Billy wants to do.”
However, he was cautious about discussing specific contract details so soon after the team’s elimination, emphasizing that his preference would be to have stability around his contract situation before the upcoming season starts. Hughes is set to become eligible for an extension on July 1, a year prior to hitting unrestricted free agency. His current contract, signed in 2021, is worth $7.85 million annually over six years.
Future Considerations and Family Discussions
There is speculation that Hughes might explore a three-year contract extension, which could set the stage for a potential Stanley Cup run with the Wild while aligning his free agency timeline with that of his brother, Jack Hughes, whose contract with the New Jersey Devils expires in 2030.
While discussing the idea of signing with the same agency, Quinn maintained he hadn’t engaged in serious discussions with his agent, Pat Brisson, about the timing of their potential free agencies. Brisson, who also represents their younger brother Luke Hughes, confirmed they have not specifically talked about entering the free agency market together.
Looking Ahead
Looking ahead, Hughes plans to consider his options carefully, valuing discussions with his family. He highlighted that Minnesota has been a fantastic fit for him, not just because of the team but also due to the passionate fan base and vibrant community surrounding hockey.
“It’s a special group in the locker room and an amazing state for hockey,” he said.
Following a hectic year that included a trade, Olympic success with the U.S. team, and a challenging playoff season, Hughes expressed his eagerness for a mental break over the summer to reflect on the past year and recharge.
“It’ll be nice to just go home, process the whole year, and get some rest,” he stated, acknowledging the whirlwind of experiences he has faced recently.
