Quinn Hughes still hasn’t signed a contract extension with the Minnesota Wild, and according to TSN insider Chris Johnston, it was never really about the money at all.
Speaking on TSN this week, Johnston laid out exactly where things actually stand between Hughes and the organization.
“I don’t think there are any restrictions on their end in terms of making him a very wealthy man,” Johnston said. “But he has to be willing to sign it. And at least to this point, I don’t think that has been committed to.”
Quinn Hughes’ future
According to Johnston, Hughes has spent the summer genuinely torn over his future rather than posturing for leverage in a negotiation.
“My understanding of this situation through the summer is I think he was having trouble basically making up his mind about what he wants to do for his future. There’s a desire that we’ve known for years to one day play with his brothers. I think he did enjoy his Minnesota experience after the trade was made part way through last year with Vancouver,” Johnston said.
That desire refers to Jack Hughes and Luke Hughes, both of whom play for the New Jersey Devils. Jack has been open about it himself in the past. “Honestly, I’m not afraid to say it. Yeah, I would love for Quinn to eventually, I’d love to play with him. And whether that’s in New Jersey or at what time that takes, at some point, I want to play with Quinn,” Jack said before last season began.
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The term of any extension is where that tension shows up most clearly. Minnesota is reportedly pushing for the full eight years allowed, while a three-year deal would instead line Quinn up to hit unrestricted free agency in 2030, the same offseason Jack becomes a free agent in New Jersey. Luke, meanwhile, is already signed with the Devils through 2031-32.
Quinn is entering the final season of his current contract and turns 27 next month. Minnesota acquired him from the Canucks in a blockbuster December trade, and it paid off almost immediately — Hughes posted 5 goals and 48 assists in 48 games with the Wild. Hughes is scheduled to meet with reporters for the first time all summer this week at the NHL Media Tour, where the question is expected to come up right away.
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